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.
Category: Defence
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.
From Hedging to Hard Balancing: Balikatan 2026 and the Philippine Defence Strategy
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Hanoi ramps up island building in disputed waters
Vietnam has shown a major upgrade programme involving the development of artificial islands in the Spratly archipelago. Hanoi has been reclaiming vast expanses of land and developing its outpost in the disputed waters at a speedy pace, a satellite imagery report by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) has found on May 8.
Strategic Signaling through Simultaneous Military Exercises Around Southeast Asia
On April 20, 2026, the annual Balikatan exercise between the US and the Philippines commenced and will last until May 8.
Balikatan 2026 drills test missiles, cyber defense in the Philippines
The Philippines, along with the US, Australia, Japan, Canada, France and New Zealand, formally commenced Exercise Balikatan 2026, marking the 41st iteration of the biggest annual joint military drill across Southeast Asia on April 20.