According to statements by Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin on August 19, “the need for higher defence spending was driven not only by regional dynamics but also by emerging threats,” pointing to cyberattacks, electromagnetic threats and misinformation campaigns.
Category: Defence
Thailand Separates US Defence Ties From Trade Talks Amid Tariff Pressure
On August 12, Thailand has rejected reports that it is considering using its longstanding defence cooperation with the US as leverage in negotiations over President Trump’s tariffs, stressing that economic and security relations with Washington will remain separate.
Philippines-US Sign 2027 Defence Plan to Boost Maritime Cooperation
On August 7, the Philippines and the US reaffirmed their longstanding defence partnership after senior military officials signed the 2027 Mutual Defense Board–Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) Plan of Activities, outlining expanded bilateral engagements to strengthen military interoperability and address evolving regional security challenges.
Indonesia Tightens Maritime Security After Following Major Drug Smuggling Cases
On August 9, Indonesia announced plans to strengthen maritime security and inter-agency cooperation after authorities intercepted a foreign vessel carrying nearly 1.3 tonnes of ketamine, highlighting concerns over the country being used as a transit route for transnational drug trafficking.
Vietnam Tightens Weapons of Mass Destruction Controls, Backing ASEAN Non-Proliferation Psuh
On August 8, Vietnam’s 16th National Assembly reviewed a draft law on the prevention and control of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), seeking to strengthen the country’s legal framework for preventing the spread of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and related delivery systems.
Malaysia to Increase Defence Budget as Military Modernisation Accelerates
Christopher Hubenthal)
On August 7, Malaysian Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government intends to increase defence spending under Budget 2027 to strengthen the Malaysian Armed Forces’ (MAF) operational readiness and accelerate its long-term modernisation programme.
Cambodia Launches Second Mekong-Lancang Peace Boat Programme, Eyeing Regional Confidence-Building
On August 5, Cambodia launched the 2nd Mekong-Lancang Peace Boat Programme, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening regional dialogue and advancing practical cooperation for sustainable development across the sub-region.
ASEAN Regional Forum Urges Nuclear Disarmament and Regional Security
On July 23, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) reaffirmed its commitment to nuclear disarmament, calling on nuclear weapon states to fulfil their obligations under international law, while addressing regional security concerns including the Korean Peninsula, the South China Sea (SCS), Myanmar and the Middle East.
Vietnam, Laos Advances Defence Healthcare Cooperation Through Medical Training
On July 29, Vietnam and Laos agreed to expand military medical cooperation by strengthening personnel training, technology transfer and specialist healthcare programmes, reinforcing long-standing defence ties between the two countries.
Philippines Deposits Bajo de Masinloc Chart with UN to Reinforce Maritime Claims
On July 29, the Philippines formally deposited its official nautical chart of Bajo de Masinloc and its surrounding maritime zones with the United Nations (UN) Secretariat, reinforcing its efforts to uphold international law and strengthen the legal certainty of its maritime entitlements.