Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, unveiled a new defence policy framework on June 12, signalling a strategic shift intended at bilateral defence ties and maritime security.
Category: Defence
Philippines-Canada enhance defence ties to shield supply chains and bolster minerals trade
The Philippines and Canada have agreed to enhance their defence partnership as the groundwork for deeper cross-border commerce, paved by the ratification of a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement (MLSA) on June 11 in Ottawa.
The Philippines asserts ASEAN autonomy at Shangri‑La Dialogue
Philippine Secretary of National Defence, Gilbert Teodoro Jr., leveraged the 23rd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue to firmly position Manila to guard the “autonomy of ASEAN member states”. The Philippine delegation emphasised its role to protect rules-based order and solidify international alliances.
Singapore’s Shangri‑La Dialogue spotlights maritime security amid rule-based order crisis
Singapore is hosting the 2026 Shangri‑La Dialogue 2026 from May 29 to 31, convening high-level representatives from 44 nations around the world to discuss key security issues. Several major themes covered in the dialogue include the international rule-based order, fracturing alliances and contested maritime domains.
Marcos, Takaichi elevate Japan–Philippines ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae formally elevated their countries’ bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) during a state visit on May 28, marking a step forward in bilateral ties amid geopolitical and economic challenges.
Dutch frigate docks in Manila amid South China Sea tensions
The Royal Netherlands Navy’s command frigate HNLMS De Ruyter (F804), docked in Manila port for three days from May 22 until 24, participating in a joint drill as part of their “Pacific Archer” mission—a five-month deployment mission within the Indo-Pacific region. The frigate’s arrival in Manila coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the Netherlands.
Malaysia faces steep costs after Norway revokes arms export deal
On May 19, Malaysian Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin commissioned the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) to research alternative missile vendors, following Norway’s revocation of their bilateral defence agreement signed in 2018.
Thailand conducts military drills along naval border with Cambodia
Admiral Pairoj Fuengchan, the current Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), revealed that naval troops have been mobilised to Trat province as a direct response to the movement of Cambodian troops near the maritime border on May 22.
Cambodian Senate approves new conscription law
The Cambodian Senate unanimously passed a new conscription law on May 20, requiring male citizens aged 18-25 to serve two consecutive years in the military. The legislation was approved during the 5th session of the 5th legislature.
Thailand signs new Cobra Gold defence pact with Singapore
A Thai cabinet meeting approved the draft of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on participation in Exercise Cobra Gold, formalising Singapore’s participation in the drills for the 2025 – 2030 period.