Today’s News 21 May 2021 (Friday)

A. NAVY NEWS/COVID NEWS/PHOTOS Title Writer Newspaper Page NIL NIL NIL NIL

B. NATIONAL HEADLINES Title Writer Newspaper Page 1 Private sector jabs arriving next month C Valencia P Star 1 Disclose Covid-19 J Aning PDI A1 2 DU30 Firm: Don’t Vaccine Brand

C. NATIONAL SECURITY Title Writer Newspaper Page 3 China: US creating risks with S. China Sea P Star 14 warship sail-bys 4 China fumes after US move on disputed AFP M Standard A1 waters 5 , back PH in row T Santos PDI A5 6 Duterte, Japan head agree to tackle security C Valente M Times A1 in disputed sea 7 Duterte may consult predecessors on J Montemayor Malaya 1 dispute with China – Palace 8 Rody, Noy meet on WPS M Blancaflor D Tribune A1 9 Ex-Phl presidents kakausapin ni Duterte sa M Escudero Ngayon 2 isyu ng West Phl Sea 10 Duterte eyes meeting with former presidents PNA P Tonight 6 to discuss WPS dispute 11 Convene National Security Council to M Casayuran M Bulletin 3 discuss WPS dispute – Biazon 12 Senators urged united stand on West H Torregoza M Bulletin 8 Philippine Sea Issue 13 to protect you, Palace tells L Salaverria PDI A2 fisherfolk amid China Ban 14 JPE wrong person to back WPS Tack R Hipolito PDI A7 15 fishermen told to ignore China fishing C Mendez P Star 1 ban 16 told: Ignore China, go out and fish V Barcelo M Standard A1 in PH waters

D. INDO-PACIFIC Title Writer Newspaper Page NIL NIL NIL NIL

E. AFP RELATED Title Writer Newspaper Page AFP: Reds behind 289 killings in the past R Cabrera P Star 12 17 decade Lawmakers seek though penalties vs Red- N Corrales PDI A5 18 tagging Clenched fist photo caused pantry organizer W Vigilia Malaya 1 19 woes? 20 DND chief: Too many generals in military M Araneta M Standard A3 21 Military athletes now in PSC P Tonight 9

F. CPP-NPA-NDF-LCM Title Writer Newspaper Page NIL NIL NIL NIL

G. MNLF/MILF/BIFF/ASG Title Writer Newspaper Page House backs M Guillang D Tribune 3 22 DU30’s amnesty proclamations

H. EDITORIAL-OPINION-COMMENTARY-SPECIAL Title Writer Newspaper Page 23 Impostor nonpareil D Tribune A4 24 WPS patrols continue P Journal 4 25 A Single voice on sea dispute R Saguisag M Times A4 26 Philippine historic claims V Ybiernas M Times A6 27 Lies peddled by Trillanes and Robredo L Biraogo M Standard B1 28 Coup d’oeil in waging political war LT. Gen Parlade, Jr. M Times A6

I. ONLINE NEWS Title Link NATIONAL NEWS PHL debt wieldy, ratings will be kept https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/05/21/bsp- 29 phl-debt-wieldy-ratings-will-be-kept/ DA plotting industry roadmap to strengthen https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140984 30 food security Govt infra spending up to ₧195.2B in Q1 https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/05/21/govt 31 -infra-spending-up-to-%e2%82%a7195-2b-in- q1/ 15 areas register heat index values within https://mb.com.ph/2021/05/20/15-areas- 32 ‘danger’ level register-heat-index-values-within-danger-level/ No face-to- https://mb.com.ph/2021/05/20/no-face-to-face- 33 face classes without Duterte’s approval, DepEd says classes-without-dutertes-approval-deped-says/ Artistic freedom pushed in singing PH https://mb.com.ph/2021/05/20/artistic-freedom- 34 national anthem pushed-in-singing-ph-national-anthem/ NAVY NEWS Ex-AFP chief Biazon: 'Convene National https://mb.com.ph/2021/05/20/ex-afp-chief- 36 Security Council to discuss WPS dispute' biazon-convene-national-security-council-to- discuss-wps-dispute/ Palace denies confusing WPS policy, https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/05/20 says no need to convene National /2099643/palace-denies-confusing-wps-policy- 37 Security Council says-no-need-convene-national-security- council protests as China reimposes https://www.nationthailand.com/international/4 38 annual fishing ban ‘without basis’ 0001082

Filipino fisher folk told not to leave WPS https://mb.com.ph/2021/05/20/filipino-fisher- 39 despite China's fishing ban folk-told-not-to-leave-wps-despite-chinas- fishing-ban/ China fishing ban meant to assert control https://news.abs- over South China Sea: analyst cbn.com/news/05/20/21/china-fishing-ban- 40 meant-to-assert-control-over-south-china-sea- analyst Duterte may invite former presidents to https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/05/21/dute 41 WPS meeting rte-may-invite-former-presidents-to-wps- meeting/ 'Un-Filipino': Duterte degrading https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/20/21/un- 42 statements of own advisers on West PH filipino-duterte-degrading-statements-of-own- Sea – lawmaker advisers-on-west-ph-sea-lawmaker Senators urge gov’t to come up with https://mb.com.ph/2021/05/20/senators-urge- 43 united stand on West Philippine Sea issue govt-to-come-up-with-united-stand-on-west- philippine-sea-issue/ Poe wants united stand on West https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/natio Philippine Sea: 'Don't confuse protecting n/788247/poe-wants-united-stand-on-west- 44 territory with utang na loob' philippine-sea-don-t-confuse-protecting- territory-with-utang-na-loob/story/ Carpio, Roque answer queries on fishing https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/natio rights, territorial dispute in West Philippine n/788283/carpio-roque-answer-queries-on- 45 Sea fishing-rights-territorial-dispute-in-west- philippine-sea/story/ Govt stakes claim over Philippine Rise https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/05/21/govt 46 with installation of state-of-the-art buoys -stakes-claim-over-philippine-rise-with- installation-of-state-of-the-art-buoys/ Udenna buys Shell stake in Malampaya https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/05/21/ude 47 gas field for $460 million nna-buys-shell-stake-in-malampaya-gas-field- for-460-million/ 4 Pinoy cadets graduate from US Coast https://mb.com.ph/2021/05/20/4-pinoy-cadets- 48 Guard Academy, with POTUS Biden as graduate-from-us-coast-guard-academy-with- guest and speaker potus-biden-as-guest-and-speaker/ AFP RELATED Lorenzana wants 1 general per 1,000 https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/natio 49 military personnel ratio in AFP n/788220/lorenzana-wants-1-general-per-1- 000-military-personnel-ratio-in-the-afp/story/ 3-7- https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140946 50 20’ applies in processing of uniformed personnel benefits Solon's threat to 'red-tag' fellow legislator https://mb.com.ph/2021/05/20/solons-threat-to- 51 mars Lower House briefing on community red-tag-fellow-legislator-mars-lower-house- pantry briefing-on-community-pantry/ Community pantries should uplift PH, not https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140894 52 demean gov’t efforts AFP lauds ASoG for support on military https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140878 53 education ’Deliberate falsehood’: Court frees Red- https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1434585/deliberat 54 tagged store owner e-falsehood-court-frees-red-tagged-store- owner SC issues show cause order vs ex- https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/05/18/latest- spokesman over 'offensive posts' stories/sc-issues-show-cause-order-vs-ex- 55 spokesman-over-offensive-posts/sc-issues- show-cause-order-vs-ex-spokesman-over- offensive-posts/1601157 House concurs to Rody’s proclamations https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/05/20/ho 56 granting amnesty to former rebels use-concurs-to-rodys-proclamations-granting- amnesty-to-former-rebels/ INDO-PACIFIC NEWS The folly of the Duterte Administration’s https://adrinstitute.org/2021/05/19/the-folly-of- appeasement policy on China and the Belt the-duterte-administrations-appeasement- 57 and Road Initiatives policy-on-china-and-the-belt-and-road- initiatives/ China, Philippines to hold sixth BCM http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021- 58 meeting on South China Sea 05/20/c_139958902.htm uses misinformation law to swat https://www.nst.com.my/world/world/2021/05/6 59 online virus claim 91689/singapore-uses-misinformation-law- swat-online-virus-claim

Singapore PM: US, China must learn to https://www.scmp.com/week- cooperate or war may ruin us all /politics/article/3134243/us-china-must- 60 learn-cooperate-or-war-could-ruin-us-all- singapore https://geopoliticalfutures.com/brief-chinas- 61 China’s Growing Role in Central Asia growing-role-in-central-asia/ China preens in U.N. spotlight over https://www.reuters.com/world/middle- 62 Mideast as U.S. isolated east/china-preens-un-spotlight-over-mideast- us-isolated-2021-05-19/ Why do so many people join the https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/world/2021/ 63 Communist Party in China? 05/672_309104.html China deploys offshore oil production rig in https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/ 64 South China Sea article/3134232/china-deploys-offshore-oil- production-rig-south-china-sea China builds key highway in Tibet https://www.hindustantimes.com/world- 65 news/china-builds-key-highway-in-tibet- 101621504363053.html Putin, Xi Launch Nuclear Power Projects in https://thediplomat.com/2021/05/putin-xi- 66 Show of Warming Ties launch-nuclear-power-projects-in-show-of- warming-ties/ China plans to hold talks with Israel as well https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/ 67 as Russia, EU and UN over conflict in Gaza article/3134238/china-plans-hold-talks-israel- well-russia-eu-and-un-over PetroChina ships jet fuel to junta-ruled https://www.reuters.com/world/china/exclusive- 68 Myanmar, data shows petrochina-ships-jet-fuel-junta-ruled-myanmar- data-shows-2021-05-20/ Covid increases China influence in India's https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia- 69 backyard 57167091 U.S. senator's China threat rhetoric http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021- 70 completely unfounded 05/20/c_139958448.htm Hong Kong court denies jury trial to first https://www.reuters.com/world/asia- person charged under national security law pacific/hong-kong-court-denies-jury-trial-first- 71 person-charged-under-national-security-2021- 05-20/ Malaysia’s Muhyiddin says Asia should fill https://www.scmp.com/week- 72 leadership vacuum in post-pandemic world asia/politics/article/3134220/asia-should-fill- leadership-vacuum-post-pandemic-recovery Malaysia's Mahathir: 'Old' Quad strategy https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/The-Future-of- risks provoking China Asia/The-Future-of-Asia-2021/Old-Quad- 73 strategy-risks-provoking-China-Malaysia-s- Mahathir Tibet’s government-in-exile has a new https://www.scmp.com/week- 74 leader. Here’s what to expect asia/people/article/3134103/tibetans-have- new-political-leader-heres-what-expect president negative for COVID-19 https://www.reuters.com/world/asia- 75 after scare at residence pacific/taiwan-covid-19-cases-rise-again-not- dramatically-2021-05-20/ Taiwan's foreign ministry welcomes https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4207 76 German party’s removal of ‘one-China’ 038 policy Biden, saying 'silence is complicity,' signs https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden- 77 COVID hate crimes bill into law saying-silence-is-complicity-signs-covid-hate- crimes-bill-into-law-2021-05-20/ Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp Slams Critical https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/ Race Theory As ‘Dangerous Ideology,’ 2021/05/20/georgia-gov-brian-kemp-slams- 78 Says It Shouldn’t Be Taught critical-race-theory-as-dangerous-ideology- says-it-shouldnt-be-taught/ Vaccine diplomacy builds China’s status in https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/ 79 Latin America, US panel hears article/3134273/vaccine-diplomacy- strengthens-chinas-stature-latin-america-us A tough agenda for Biden and Moon’s first https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2021/05/19/a- 80 summit tough-agenda-for-biden-and-moons-first- summit/ Biden to push South to take tough https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International- 81 line on China at summit relations/Biden-to-push-South-Korea-to-take- tough-line-on-China-at-summit The Biden-Moon Summit: Rejuvenating https://www.csis.org/analysis/biden-moon- 82 and Modernizing the Alliance summit-rejuvenating-and-modernizing-alliance Moon visits US military cemetery in show https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2021 83 of commitment to stronger alliance /05/120_309155.html https://geopoliticalfutures.com/the-us-and- 84 The US and South Korea’s Shaky Alliance south--shaky-alliance/ U.S. plays down prospect of North Korea https://www.reuters.com/world/china/us- 85 initiative at Moon summit minimizes-prospect-new-north-korea-initiative- moon-summit-2021-05-20/ Japan opposes 'unilateral attempts' to https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140892 86 change status quo in SCS Japan ready to freeze all Myanmar https://asia.nikkei.com/Editor-s- 87 development aid: Motegi Picks/Interview/Japan-ready-to-freeze-all- Myanmar-development-aid-Motegi Full steam ahead on Vietnam’s anti- https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2021/05/20/full- 88 corruption campaign steam-ahead-on-vietnams-anti-corruption- campaign/ Fewer independents vie for Vietnam's https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/v 89 Communist Party-dominated assembly ietnam-election-communist-party-legislature- independents-14854468 Some 100 Myanmar diplomats oppose https://www.thejakartapost.com/seasia/2021/0 90 junta, ordered to return home 5/20/some-100-myanmar-diplomats-oppose- junta-ordered-to-return-home.html Samoa to scrap China-backed port project https://www.reuters.com/world/asia- 91 under new leader pacific/samoa-shelve-china-backed-port- project-under-new-leader-2021-05-20/ Kiribati’s airstrip revamp sparks political https://www.scmp.com/week- 92 debate on China’s intentions asia/politics/article/3134157/kiribatis-china- backed-airstrip-upgrade-fuels-political Russian envoy G7 - playing a 'dangerous https://www.reuters.com/world/china/g7- 92 game' by pushing Moscow towards China playing-dangerous-game-by-scolding-moscow- russian-envoy-says-2021-05-20/ Russia 'ready' to provide COVID-19 https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/05/20 94 vaccines to Japan, ambassador says /national/science-health/russia-covid-19- vaccines-japan/ Putin to would-be aggressors: 'Will knock https://www.hindustantimes.com/world- 95 their teeth out' news/putin-to-would-be-aggressors-will-knock- their-teeth-out-101621529183878.html Israel and Hamas reach Gaza truce with https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International- 96 Egyptian mediation relations/Israel-and-Hamas-reach-Gaza-truce- with-Egyptian-mediation Why Muslim governments are giving China https://www.businessinsider.com/muslim- 97 a free pass on its abuses against Uyghurs governments-give-china-free-pass-on-abuses- of-uyghurs-2021-5 The Amazing Convergence on China https://prospect.org/blogs/tap/bipartisanship- 98 Policy lives-amazing-convergence-on-china-policy/ Leveraging the Quad to Counter China’s https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new- 99 Digital Sinosphere atlanticist/how-to-leverage-the-quad-to- counter-chinas-digital-sinosphere/ China and the US: Who Has More https://thediplomat.com/2021/05/china-and- 100 Influence in Vietnam? the-us-who-has-more-influence-in-vietnam/ Economic Growth in a Digital Economy: https://www.csis.org/analysis/economic- 101 The Role of Intellectual Property and growth-digital-economy-role-intellectual- Innovation property-and-innovation DEFENSE NEWS Duterte Rejects U.S. Assistance During https://amti.csis.org/duterte-rejects-u-s- 102 Whitsun Reef Stand-Off assistance-during-whitsun-reef-stand-off/ U.S. Nears Extension on Philippine Basing https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/05/20/biden- 103 Pact duterte-philippines-defense-pentagon/ Duterte, Japan head agree to tackle https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/05/21/news/ 104 security in disputed sea national/duterte-japan-head-agree-to-tackle- security-in-disputed-sea/1800030 PH procurement of 6 naval vessels from https://mb.com.ph/2021/05/20/ph- 105 Aussie firm still 'under negotiations' — procurement-of-6-naval-vessels-from-aussie- Australian envoy firm-still-under-negotiations-australian-envoy/ Philippines to Acquire Israeli Missile- https://www.thedefensepost.com/2021/05/20/p 106 Capable Patrol Boats for $209M hilippines-missile-capable-patrol-boats/ Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/05/20 107 Singapore canceled due to COVID-19 /national/singapore-shangri-la-dialogue- security-forum-canceled-covid-19/ The U.S. Military In Competition: https://cimsec.org/the-u-s-military-in- 108 Supporting Effort One competition-supporting-effort-one/ US Envoy: Fears of Taliban Conquering https://thediplomat.com/2021/05/us-envoy- 109 Kabul Are Overblown fears-of-taliban-conquering-kabul-are- overblown/ Hill Presses For Better Cyber Responses, https://breakingdefense.com/2021/05/hill- 110 More Info Sharing presses-for-better-cyber-responses-more-info- sharing/ Divide over scope of military’s extremism https://www.rollcall.com/2021/05/20/divide- 111 problem impedes culture, policy changes over-scope-of-militarys-extremism-problem- impedes-culture-policy-changes/ 112 Incoherent Global Strategy Cripples U.S. https://www.greatpowersjournal.com/us-global- Military Readiness strategy-military-readiness/ GAO Cites Technical Shortcomings In https://www.defensedaily.com/gao-cites- 113 Emerging DHS Biodefense Program technical-shortcomings-emerging-dhs- biodefense-program/homeland-security/ National Guard troops expect to leave U.S. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/national- 114 Capitol next week guard-troops-expect-leave-us-capitol-next- week-officials-2021-05-19/ Microsoft, SOCOM Highlight Need for https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/artic 115 Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence les/2021/5/20/sofic-news-microsoft-investing- in-ai-ethics-rd US Forces Korea nominee calls joint US- https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2021 116 South Korea exercises 'extremely /05/103_309135.html important' A Starcruiser For Space Force: Thinking https://warontherocks.com/2021/05/a- 117 Through The Imminent Transformation Of starcruiser-for-space-force-thinking-through- Spacepower the-imminent-transformation-of-spacepower/ House Lawmakers Call For Long-Term https://news.usni.org/2021/05/19/house- 118 Strategy For Sealift After Decades of lawmakers-call-for-long-term-strategy-for- Neglect sealift-after-decades-of-neglect US Navy Needs Large-Scale Innovation to https://news.usni.org/2021/05/20/geurts-navy- 119 Deter Adversaries needs-large-scale-innovation-to-deter- adversaries Ghost Fleet Ship ‘Nomad’ Transited https://news.usni.org/2021/05/20/ghost-fleet- 120 Canal, Headed to California ship-nomad-transited-panama-canal-headed- to-california USSOCOM touts amphibious MC-130 https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news- 121 detail/sofic-2021-ussocom-touts-amphibious- mc-130 Littoral Combat Ship: The U.S. Navy’s https://www.19fortyfive.com/2021/05/littoral- 122 Biggest Warship Failure combat-ship-the-u-s-navys-biggest-warship- failure-ever/ US Navy notes progress on Constellation https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news- 123 frigate, hypersonics detail/us-navy-notes-progress-on- constellation-frigate-hypersonics US Navy Issues $554M Contract https://news.usni.org/2021/05/20/navy-issues- 124 Modification for Second Navy Frigate 554m-contract-modification-for-second-navy- frigate USS Ronald Reagan carrier strike group https://www.upi.com/Defense- 125 departs Japan for deployment in Indo- News/2021/05/19/reagan-carrier-japan-depart- Pacific port-deployment/9221621438435/ U.S. 7th Fleet Denies Chinese Claim https://news.usni.org/2021/05/20/u-s-7th-fleet- 126 American Destroyer Was ‘Expelled’ from denies-chinese-claim-american-destroyer-was- South China Sea Island Chain expelled-from-south-china-sea-island-chain US Navy denies warship was 'expelled' https://thehill.com/policy/defense/navy/554499- 127 from South China Sea us-navy-denies-warship-was-expelled-from- south-china-sea USMC Commandant says content with flat https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news- budget, anti-ship missiles the top priority in detail/content-with-flat-budget-anti-ship- 128 2022 missiles-the-top-priority-in-2022-usmc- commandant-says Why the US Marine Corps’ future may https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your- 129 sideline its ground-pounders marine-corps/2021/05/19/why-the-corps- future-may-sideline-its-ground-pounders/ Biden praises Coast Guard agreement with https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4207 130 Taiwan 036 Biden Says U.S. Coast Guard Will Take On https://www.defensedaily.com/biden-says-u-s- More Global Missions; Highlights Indo- coast-guard-will-take-global-missions- 131 Pacific Region highlights-indo-pacific-region/homeland- security/ Building An Agile Force: The Imperative for https://a2dd917a-65ab-41f1-ab11- 132 Speed and Adaptation in the U.S. 5f1897e16299.usrfiles.com/ugd/a2dd91_776e Aerospace Industrial Base 3514d41f4e0aa1c0954050eaa194.pdf Special Ops Undergoing Historic https://breakingdefense.com/2021/05/special- 133 Transformation, AFSOC Says ops-undergoing-historical-transformation- afsoc-says/ Biden cites Coast Guard's role in protecting https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2021/05/1 134 shipping lanes at academy graduation 9/connecticut-joe-biden-coast-guard-academy- commencement/6991621425764/ Chinese ships staying too close irk Hawaii https://usa.inquirer.net/71389/chinese-ships- 135 fishers and U.S. military staying-too-close-irk-hawaii-fishers-and-u-s- military China, US Argue Over Naval Activity in https://www.military.com/daily- 136 South China Sea news/2021/05/20/china-us-argue-over-naval- activity-south-china-sea.html The Next War https://breakingdefense.com/2021/05/how- 137 How China’s Thinking About chinas-thinking-about-the-next-war/ China Keeps Studying One World War II https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/202 138 Battle For a Sinister Reason 1/05/20/china_keeps_studying_one_world_wa r_ii_battle_for_a_sinister_reason_777962.html World Intelligence Congress opens in http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021- 139 China's Tianjin 05/20/c_139958869.htm https://asiatimes.com/2021/05/beijings-space- 140 Beijing’s space race frenzy burns up resources race-frenzy-burns-up-resources/ PLA Eastern Theater Command monitors https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202105/1223 141 US warship transiting Taiwan Straits 849.shtml China says U.S. warship illegally enters its https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china- 142 territory in S. China Sea says-us-warship-illegally-enters-its-territory-s- china-sea-2021-05-20/ China furious after US warship sails close https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/20/chi 143 to disputed Paracels na-furious-after-us-warship-sails-close-to- disputed-paracels PLA drives away 'accident-risking' US https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202105/1224 144 warship intruding territorial waters in South 046.shtml China Sea US should stop turning Taiwan into 'most http://en.people.cn/n3/2021/0519/c90000- 145 dangerous place' 9851633.html PLA-N Marine Corps armored vehicles in http://en.people.cn/n3/2021/0520/c90000- 146 live-fire training 9852178.html

China's deep-water drilling machine sets http://en.people.cn/n3/2021/0520/c90000- 147 new world record 9852043.html -15 Carrierborne Fighter: Sizing https://thediplomat.com/2021/05/chinas-j-15- 148 China’s J up the Competition carrierborne-fighter-sizing-up-the-competition/ China flies 2 fighter-bombers over median https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4207 149 line amid COVID outbreak in Taiwan 322 Taiwan Deploys 42 Upgraded F-16s at https://www.thedefensepost.com/2021/05/20/t 150 Southwestern Airbase aiwan-deploys-upgraded-f16s/ Japan Looking At Providing Financing https://www.asiapacificdefensejournal.com/202 151 Framework For Defense Exports 1/05/japan-looking-at-providing-financing.html Japan, Poland look to expand defence https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news- 152 equipment ties detail/japan-poland-look-to-expand-defence- equipment-ties Japan won’t limit defence spending amid https://www.scmp.com/week- 153 ‘uncertainty’ in East China Sea asia/politics/article/3134195/japan-wont-limit- defence-spending-amid-uncertainty-east-china Japan must 'radically' speed up defence https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/j 154 build-up: Minister apan-speed-up-defence-build-up-east-china- sea-14847470 Japan eyes stronger regulations on foreign https://the-japan- 155 students to prevent outflow of national news.com/news/article/0007416199 security tech North Korea ‘unlikely to surrender its https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news- nuclear stockpile' detail/north-korea-unlikely-to-surrender-its- 156 nuclear-stockpile-says-usfk-- nominee North Korean Weapons Are Likely Here to https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/20/us/politic 157 Stay, Even if Biden Won’t Say It s/biden-north-korea-nuclear-weapons.html North Korean Security Services Given https://www.rfa.org/english/news/korea/food- 158 Food for a Year While Others Go Hungry 05202021145307.html South Korean Navy Upgrades to New Fire- https://www.thedefensepost.com/2021/05/20/s 159 Resistant Uniform outh-korean-navy-upgrades-uniform/ SoKor military hit over substandard food, https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2021 160 clothes for conscripts /05/205_309125.html Soldiers given substandard clothing, http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=202 161 berets 10520000696 Thailand cuts defence budget again https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news- 162 detail/thailand-cuts-defence-budget- again_17744 Enough troops on Ladakh frontier to tackle https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/de any situation: Indian Army chief fence/enough-troops-on-ladakh-frontier-to- 163 tackle-any-situation-indian-army- chief/articleshow/82797309.cms Bangladesh Cracks Down on Hardline https://thediplomat.com/2021/05/bangladesh- 164 Islamist Group cracks-down-on-hardline-islamist-group/ Signs of Rift Between Military and Prime https://thediplomat.com/2021/05/signs-of-rift- 165 Minister Imran Khan in Pakistan between-military-and-prime-minister-imran- khan-in-pakistan/ Australian prime minister: Multibillion-dollar https://ipdefenseforum.com/2021/05/australian 167 military spending not a warning to PRC -prime-minister-multibillion-dollar-military- spending-not-a-warning-to-prc/ Australian Military to Establish New $7 https://www.thedefensepost.com/2021/05/20/a 168 Billion Space Division ustralia-military-space-division/ Royal Australian Navy’ Second Supply- https://www.navalnews.com/naval- 169 Class AOR Sails Home news/2021/05/royal-australian-navy-second- supply-class-aor-sails-home/ Australia launches maritime research https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/na vessel Ginan val-news/naval-news- 170 archive/2021/may/10164-australia-launches- maritime-research-vessel-ginan.html Royal Australian Navy's HMS Ballarat https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/na joints Operation Argos val-news/naval-news- 171 archive/2021/may/10167-royal-australian- navy-s-hms-ballarat-joints-operation- argos.html Australia and New Zealand should https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/australia- 172 coordinate space launch capabilities and-new-zealand-should-coordinate-space- launch-capabilities/ New Clashes Between Myanmar’s Military https://www.rfa.org/english/news/myanmar/cla 173 and Ethnic Armies Exacerbates Refugee shes-05202021195632.html Crisis Military lifts age limit for Min Aung Hlaing https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Myanmar- 174 post Coup/Myanmar-coup-latest-Military-lifts-age- limit-for-Min-Aung-Hlaing-post Myanmar troops shell Thai border village https://www.nationthailand.com/in- 175 focus/40001105 chief in Moscow for https://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar- military helicopter expo politics-russia/myanmar-air-force-chief-in- 176 moscow-for-military-helicopter-expo-media- reports-idUSKCN2D10Z4 Sanctions Targeting Russia’s Defense https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/202 Sector 1/05/20/sanctions_targeting_russias_defense_ 177 sector_will_they_influence_its_behavior_7779 35.html Russian lawmakers vote to follow US out of https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon- 178 overflight treaty congress/2021/05/19/russian-lawmakers-vote- to-follow-us-out-of-overflight-treaty/ Russian Navy to restructure Project https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news- 179 955/955A Borey SSBN deployment detail/russian-navy-to-restructure-project- 955955a-borey-ssbn-deployment Russian Krasnodar submarine passes L-1 https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/na qualification mission val-news/naval-news- 180 archive/2021/may/10165-russian-krasnodar- submarine-passes-l-1-qualification- mission.html Russia will start supplying S-400 missile to https://www.reuters.com/world/india/russia-will- 181 India in Q4 -Interfax start-supplying-s-400-missile-india-q4-interfax- 2021-05-20/ Russia calls for military meeting of Arctic https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International- 182 states as tensions rise relations/Russia-calls-for-military-meeting-of- Arctic-states-as-tensions-rise Russian fighter intercepts U.S. bomber http://en.people.cn/n3/2021/0520/c90000- 183 before Lavrov-Blinken meeting 9851991.html NATO Maritime Commander: Allies Are https://news.usni.org/2021/05/20/nato- Coming Up With Modern Littoral Warfare maritime-commander-allies-are-coming-up- 184 Concepts, and NATO Needs to Exercise with-modern-littoral-warfare-concepts-and- Them nato-needs-to-exercise-them Two massive British aircraft carriers sail https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/two-massive- 185 together british-aircraft-carriers-sail-together/ Israeli jets destroy 60 miles of Hamas https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/israeli-jets- 186 tunnels under Gaza destroy-60-miles-of-hamas-tunnels-under- gaza-8x3knhlbz Iron Dome sustains interception rate https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news- 187 detail/iron-dome-sustains-interception-rate Israel, Hamas agree to cease-fire to end https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/05/21/isra 188 bloody 11-day war el-hamas-agree-to-cease-fire-to-end-bloody- 11-day-war/ https://www.csis.org/analysis/whats-next-iran- 189 What’s Next for Nuclear Talks? nuclear-talks Why does the UK want more nuclear https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/why-does- 190 weapons? the-uk-want-more-nuclear-weapons/ Maintenance Wins Wars https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2 191 021/may/maintenance-wins-wars Mapping the National Security Industrial https://csis-website- Base: Policy Shaping Issues prod.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs- 192 public/publication/210519_Lewis_NationalSec urity_IndustrialBase.pdf The UN Struggles to Make Progress on https://carnegieendowment.org/2021/05/19/un- 193 Securing Cyberspace struggles-to-make-progress-on-securing- cyberspace-pub-84491 Aerospace Industrial Base Can’t Handle https://breakingdefense.com/2021/05/aerospa 194 The Future: Mitchell Institute ce-industrial-base-cant-handle-the-future- mitchell-institute/ Software-Defined Tactics And Great https://cimsec.org/software-defined-tactics- 195 Power Competition and-great-power-competition/ Apple criticised for storing data inside https://www.bbc.com/news/technology- 196 China 57186275 COVID NEWS Preference for brands causing delay in vax https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140990 197 program Philippines Won't Disclose COVID Shot https://www.newsweek.com/philippines-wont- 198 Brand Until Appointment, to 'Overcome' disclose-covid-shot-brand-until-appointment- Preferences overcome-preferences-1593363 India battles rash of "black fungus" cases https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india- 199 hitting COVID-19 patients battles-rash-black-fungus-cases-hitting-covid- 19-patients-2021-05-20/ Black fungus: Call to declare epidemic in https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india- 200 Indian states 57191507 A new coronavirus that usually infects https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/arti 201 canines is found in a pneumonia patient in cle/3134113/new-coronavirus-usually-infects- Malaysia canines-found-pneumonia-patient Mapping the Coronavirus Outbreak Across https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2020- 202 the World coronavirus-cases-world- map/?srnd=coronavirus 203 Covid map: Where are cases the highest? https://www.bbc.com/news/world-51235105

J. OPINION/EDITORIAL/COMMENTARY Title Link 204 Dealing with Beijing’s maritime https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/05/20/dealin projection g-with-beijings-maritime-projection/ 205 A single voice on sea dispute https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/05/21/opinion/ columns/a-single-voice-on-sea-dispute/1800033 206 China does not possess the WPS https://opinion.inquirer.net/140405/china-does- not-possess-the-wps 207 JPE wrong person to back WPS tack https://opinion.inquirer.net/140429/jpe-wrong- person-to-%e2%80%8dback-wps-tack 208 Noy fails, America wins https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/05/20/noy- fails-america-wins/ 209 Impostor nonpareil https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/05/21/impos tor-nonpareil/ 210 Correcting injustice https://opinion.inquirer.net/140443/correcting- injustice 211 Coup d'oeil in waging political war https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/05/21/opinion/ columns/coup-doeil-in-waging-political- war/1800024 212 : Unimpressed by the US https://opinion.inquirer.net/140435/rizal- unimpressed-by-the-us 213 Biden’s Israel Problem https://www.project- syndicate.org/commentary/israel-netanyahu-wag- the-us-dog-by-fawaz-a-gerges-2021-05 214 Artificial Intelligence Is America’s https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2021 Achilles Heel Against China -05-20/china-s-artificial-intelligence-advantage-is- america-s-achilles-heel?srnd=premium-asia 215 Our Responsibility to South Asia https://www.project- syndicate.org/commentary/world-must-help-india- south-asia-with-vaccines-oxygen-by-kevin-rudd- 2021-05 216 Still Waiting for a Serious Debate on https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/05/19/still-waiting- Taiwan for-a-serious-debate-on-taiwan/ 217 Arabs: Hamas Does Not Care About https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/17390/hamas- Palestinian Suffering palestinians-suffering 218 Hasty U.S. withdrawal to create security http://en.people.cn/n3/2021/0519/c90000- black hole in Afghanistan 9851836.html

BSP: PHL debt wieldy, ratings will be kept BYBIANCA CUARESMA MAY 21, 2021

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin E. Diokno BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno expressed confidence that the Philippines will retain its investment grade rating from all three major international credit watchers, as the BSP’s latest assessment shows the country’s debt profile will remain manageable amid increased foreign borrowings.

In a press briefing on Thursday, Diokno told reporters the recent increase in foreign borrowings, as propelled by the pandemic-induced disruptions, is sustainable and manageable.

Diokno noted that the loans taken up by the government are diversified with low interest rates. As such, they do not see the government debt-to-GDP (gross domestic product) ratio exceeding the 60-percent threshold for the year.

Asked whether the rising debt remains manageable enough for credit watchers to keep their ratings of the country this year, Diokno said, “definitely.”

“While admittedly the debt-to-GDP ratio is rising, it is still within the 60- percent threshold and we are very careful about that,” he said. According to Diokno, the current external debt as a percentage of GDP as of 2020 is at 27.2 percent. The total public external debt to GDP ratio, meanwhile, is at 54.6 percent.

BSP data showed the country’s external debt stood at $98.5 billion as of end-December 2020, up from $83.6 billion recorded at end- December 2019.

The end-2020 external debt figure represented 27.2 percent of the country’s GDP. The latest ratio indicates the country’s sustained strong position to service foreign borrowings.

The maturity profile of the country’s external debt also remained predominantly medium and long term (MLT) in nature, with share to total at 85.6 percent.

“This means that foreign exchange requirements for debt payments continued to be spread out and manageable,” Diokno said, adding that 60 percent of MLT borrowings have fixed interest rates, which minimizes risks from possible interest rate increases. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/05/21/bsp-phl-debt-wieldy-ratings-will-be-kept/

DA plotting industry roadmap to strengthen food security

By Lade Jean Kabagani May 20, 2021, 8:21 pm

MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) targets to establish a commodity industry roadmap within four months to strengthen the country’s food security system.

Citing the Philippines’s 73rd place in the 2020 Global Food Security Index (GFSI), DA Assistant Secretary Liza Battad said the creation of the roadmap is one of the department’s biggest challenges.

"I think we need to focus ourselves on the more impactful commodities and at the same time, tulong talaga ng buong byurukrasya ang nakikita natin (we see the need for the entire bureaucracy to help), and we have identified important strategies na hihingan sana natin o idudulog natin na maging (that we would seek to become an) executive order," Battad said in a virtual presser on Thursday.

The DA will also need the private sectors’ commitment, she said.

“We will draw the private sector's commitment and plot them into their industries' roadmap para sa ganun makita natin yung mekanismo kung paano natin sila i- implement (so we can know the mechanism and how to implement it) with them," said Battad, who also co-chaired the 2021 National Food Security Summit Steering Committee.

The GFSI considers the issues of food affordability, availability, quality and safety, and natural resources and resilience across 113 countries.

Indicators measure the drivers of food security across both developing and developed countries.

The Philippines’ strengths were in agricultural production, change in average food costs, market access and agricultural financial services, and agricultural import tariffs.

The DA, Battad added, has suggested and identified some options on how to implement the industry roadmap with the private sector.

"What is significant that should happen in four months is we should be able to identify and influence ‘yung pagbabago sa budget din ng DA (the changes in the DA's budget)," she said. The two-day food security summit that ended Wednesday addressed major challenges on accessing sufficient, safe, nutritious, and affordable food.

She said they were also seeking the full support of the Department of the Interior and Local Government in "bringing about relevant technologies and capacitation of the workers and livestock technicians and more importantly, the farmer and fishers organization and cluster leaders." (PNA) https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140984

Govt infra spending up to ₧195.2B in Q1 BYBERNADETTE D. NICOLAS MAY 21, 2021 2 MINUTE READ A construction crane is silhouetted against the sunset in City. The government said it is banking on the resumption of big-ticket infrastructure projects under its Build Build Build program to lift the economy battered by the pandemic. STATE infrastructure spending in the first quarter of this year hit P195.2 billion, up by 25.1 percent compared to the same period a year ago.

Data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) showed national government disbursements for infrastructure and capital outlays from January to March this year were P39.1 billion higher than last year’s P156.1 billion.

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In its latest assessment on the government’s disbursement performance, the DBM said the increase was largely due to Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) road infrastructure program and direct payments made to suppliers by foreign creditors for foreign-assisted projects, such as the Metro Subway Project of the Department of Transportation and the Davao City By-Pass Construction Project of the DPWH.

“Although the growth in infrastructure and other capital outlays may be partly due to base effects, the increase in infrastructure disbursements for Q1 this year of P39.1 billion was enough to completely offset the P22.1 billion reduction recorded in Q1 last year,” it said. “It also recovered from the negative growth recorded in the preceding two quarters of 33.0 percent in Q3 and 32.7 percent in Q4 2020.”

The double-digit expansion in state infrastructure spending along with higher maintenance disbursements drove the growth in overall government spending for the first quarter of this year.

For the three-month period, total government spending surged by nearly 20 percent to P1.018 trillion from last year’s P849.2 billion.

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“Government spending is one of the major sources of growth which helped temper the economic contraction recorded for Q1 of this year. While the overall economic performance declined by 4.2 percent, government final consumption expenditure, which consists largely of the expenditures for various social programs, expanded by 16.1 percent,” the DBM said.

For March alone, state infrastructure spending jumped by 41.1 percent to P87.8 billion this year from P62.2 billion in the same month last year.

“This was largely propelled by the payment for completed and partially completed infrastructure projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways nationwide such as construction, repair and rehabilitation of access, by-pass, and diversion roads, bridges, and flood mitigation structures and drainage systems,” the DBM said.

Overall government spending in March stood at P407.6 billion, up by 22.3 percent from P333.2 billion a year ago. For the rest of the year, the DBM said they still see disbursements in the second quarter to be driven by Covid-19 related expenditures, including the release of allotments for the procurement of vaccines and the financial assistance to and four nearby provinces , Laguna, and Rizal which were placed under Enhanced Community Quarantine to address the surge in the number of Covid-19 cases.

It also expects overall government spending to be boosted by ongoing construction projects of DPWH and the downloading of program subsidies to government-owned and -controlled corporations based on submitted requests. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/05/21/govt-infra-spending-up-to-%e2%82%a7195-2b-in-q1/

No face-to-face classes without Duterte’s approval, DepEd says

Published May 20, 2021, 2:02 PM by Merlina Hernando-Malipot An official of the Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday maintained that the conduct of face-to-face classes this upcoming school year will not be possible without the approval coming from President Duterte.

During the Laging Handa public briefing on Thursday, May 20, DepEd Undersecretary Annallyn Sevilla said the DepEd is currently preparing for the opening of School Year (SY) 2021-2022. She noted that the department will also present its plans for the opening of classes to President Duterte.

“Hindi po tayo babalik sa face-to-face educational learning delivery system kung hindi po ito papayagan (We will not go back to the face-to-face educational learning delivery system if this will not be allowed),” Sevilla said, noting that in-person learning will remain prohibited the President gives his approval. However, Sevilla clarified that education will continue even amidst the ongoing pandemic. This, she explained, will be through blended delivery approaches that are being used in the current school year.

“Magtutuloy po ang pag-aaral, itutuloy natin ang tinatawag na self-learning modules, online, through the DepEd TV, DepEd radio, at iba pa pong approaches (Learning will continue, we will continue what we call self-learning modules, online, through DepEd TV, DepEd Radio and other approaches),” Sevilla added.

Aside from the reported Aug. 23 recommended school opening, Sevilla said that DepEd will be giving the President options on how to proceed with opening of the upcoming school year.

Sevilla also noted that in the Management Committee meeting led by Education Secretary Leonor Briones on May 19, the agency’s key officials – including those at the regional level – have discussed possible scenarios for the opening of SY 2021-2022.

“DepEd has prepared a proposal to the President and it includes options within the law,” Sevilla said.

Aside from Aug. 23 school opening recommendation, she said that there are “also other dates” to be presented to the President and other Cabinet members.

However, she did not specify what are these other dates being eyed by DepEd for the start of classes for the upcoming school year. https://mb.com.ph/2021/05/20/no-face-to-face-classes-without-dutertes-approval-deped-says/ Artistic freedom pushed in singing PH national anthem

Published May 20, 2021, 6:17 PM by Vanne Elaine Terrazola A House official wanted to give artists the discretion in interpreting and singing the Philippines’ national anthem.

House Deputy Speaker and de Oro 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez on Thursday, May 20, urged his colleagues to relax the proposed law prescribing a definite tempo for singing the “Lupang Hinirang”.

The House Committee on Basic Education was tackling the substitute bill containing proposals to revise the Republic Act No. 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.

Rodriguez particularly took exception to the bill’s provision specifying that the Lupang Hinirang must be sung in accordance with the arrangement and composition of its composer Julian Felipe, which is in 2/4 beat. The anthem was originally composed as a marching song. “There are requirements, [which] to me, [are] not understood by people,” the House leader said, mistakenly calling the national anthem “Bayang Magiliw” during the hearing.

“You know, there are criminal sanctions if you don’t follow these…How can we, first, be able to really have this observed and secondly, which people do not really understand,” the legal expert pointed out.

Instead, Rodriguez proposed to his colleagues to just mandate that the national anthem be “sung with utmost respect”, and give artists the leeway in interpreting it, like in the .

He cited the performers who deviated from Julian Felipe’s arrangement while singing the Philippine national anthem during the fights of boxer-turned-politician Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao.

“All I’m saying is that, why don’t we just put there that its should be ‘sung with utmost respect’. We know already what is not respectful, like if you will sing it with not the proper lyrics. Or number two, you will sing it in rap,” Rodriguez said.

“People like it when it is played it by our artists and we follow our artist, and we give pride to our song. That is my point, Mr Chairman. We cannot be canalized into these beats,” he went on.

“It should allow some freedom of expression of the singer, in how he feels, she feels, about our national anthem,” he appealed.

Deputy speaker and SAGIP Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta and 2nd District Rep. Stella Quimbo backed Rodriguez’ proposal, saying singers should be allowed the leeway as long as it is sung with utmost respect.

Other House members, however, opposed any changes to the national anthem.

“If we respect our history, how it was made, it should remain like that,” said Rep. Abdullah Dimaporo.

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts also said that the current arrangement and melody of the Lupang Hinirang must be kept, and that freedom of expression “cannot be absolutely applied”.

“This is a national anthem, not music for performing before a passive audience. It is not for showing off or exhibition of musical skills and artistry by a so-called ‘artist’ who might like to dazzle and awe his or her audience with technical wizardry. Everybody is a participant in the singing or playing of a national anthem,” the NCCA said in its position paper, read by 1st District Rep. Evelina Escudero before House basic education panel.

“Singing the national anthem is a communal activity. The people must be able to sing together with the lead singer and not be cowed into silence by a musician eager to impress with his or her prowess, who makes the interpretation so complicated and unconventional preventing the people from joining the singing,” the agency further explained.

“As a rule, the simpler the arrangement, the better so everybody can join in the singing of the anthem,” the NCCA pointed out.

In the end, the House committee agreed to retain the 2/4 beat of the Philippine national anthem in approving the unnumbered substitute bill. https://mb.com.ph/2021/05/20/artistic-freedom-pushed-in-singing-ph-national-anthem/

Ex-AFP chief Biazon: 'Convene National Security Council to discuss WPS dispute'

Published May 20, 2021, 10:16 AM by Mario Casayuran Former Senator Rodolfo Biazon has strongly suggested that President Duterte convene the National Security Council (NSC) for the Duterte administration to form a united stand on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) territorial dispute with China.

Biazon made the call as Philippine leaders have divergent views on how the country should deal with China which carry a mighty military and economic stick.

Biazon, a former chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and former chairman of the Senate national defense and security committee, said there is danger in the conflicting and divergent views on the WPS issue of the President himself, Cabinet members, lawmakers, former lawmakers, and experts on the WPS issue.

He said this cauldron of different opinions might push China into adopting an aggressive stance against the Philippines.

Biazon said even allies of the Philippines might get confused and might not support the country should China becomes aggressive.

He stressed that President Duterte should not be left alone in adopting policies on the WPS issue because the WPS factor involves Philippine national and food security.

The NSC is composed of the President as chairman, members of the Cabinet such as the secretaries of the Department of National Defense (DND) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), leaders of Congress, police and military.

The President may also invite former Philippine Presidents and those in the academe.

Although he is retired from the political scene and public life, Biazon said he is ready to share his knowledge on the WPS. Biazon said he went to the Senate yesterday to call on senators that they strongly suggest to President Duterte to convene the NSC. https://mb.com.ph/2021/05/20/ex-afp-chief-biazon-convene-national-security-council-to-discuss-wps- dispute/

Palace denies confusing WPS policy, says no need to convene National Security Council Bella Perez-Rubio (Philstar.com) - May 20, 2021 - 4:25pm MANILA, Philippines — There is no need to convene the National Security Council, Malacañang said Thursday as it dismissed calls on the government to come up with a "clear and united" stand on the West Philippine Sea.

"[T]here is nothing confusing about President ['s] stand on the West Philippine Sea," palace spokesman Harry Roque said in Filipino during his regular briefing.

"Actually, the president already mentioned this to me, and the problem with the [NSC] is that nothing is resolved there when he attends [meetings]," he added. "So, if necessary he is considering inviting former presidents and personalities to have a meeting to discuss the issue."

Duterte invited former Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile to attend a meeting that televised Monday night to discuss the West Philippine Sea. They exchanged compliments throughout their discussion. Enrile, a former Senate president and former defense secretary to President Ferdinand Marcos, is facing a P172.83-million plunder case at the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court. He was granted bail due to his age and health.

Former senator, AFP chief: 'We are confused and that is dangerous' He said this in response to former Sen. Rodolfo Biazon who traveled to the Senate Wednesday to urge lawmakers to pass a resolution calling for the convening of the NSC in order to address what he called the "confusing" position of the country on the issue.

"[R]ight now, we are confused and that is dangerous," a statement from Biazon, a former chief of the armed forces, is quoted in a report from the Inquirer. "We are not only confusing ourselves, we are also confusing potential allies in our pursuit of our national interests in the area." Biazon also warned that Beijing might "mount a dangerous move" if it believes that Manila has given up its claim in the West Philippine Sea or the part of the South China Sea within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

Sen. Grace Poe on Wednesday echoed Biazon's call to convene the NSC, saying it is "high time that the whole of government comes up with a clear and united stand on the West Philippine Sea issue."

"We cannot be divided as a nation when we talk about our sovereignty," she said. "Protecting territorial integrity is so vital to a country's survival that we must not confuse it with friendship or utang na loob (indebtedness)."

"This is the country's resources we are talking about," Poe stressed.

"There shouldn't be any debate as to whether we should protect it or not. There is only one constitutional answer—we should. The only thing left for us to discuss now is how." What is the current stance on the West Philippine Sea? Duterte has repeatedly disparaged the country's 2016 arbitral award in the West Philippine Sea. He also insists that asserting the Philippines' claim in the area would lead to war with China, a widely disputed claim.

The president also routinely invokes "utang an loob" or indebtedness to China as he continues to push warmer ties with the regional power.

Despite this, his alter egos insist that his speech at the 75th General Assembly acknowledging the award is the supreme expression of policy on the issue.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana have been outspoken amid Beijing's repeated incursions in the West Philippine Sea, both entering heated word wars with Chinese officials.

But on Monday, Duterte barred his Cabinet from discussing tensions with China over the West Philippine Sea in public, saying only Roque would be allowed to do so from now on. Roque later clarified that Locsin, who has told the palace spokesman to "lay off"commenting on foreign policy, would be allowed to discuss the matter in public too. The spokesman on Thursday also reiterated the country's stance on the dispute with China over the West Philippine Sea, saying in Filipino: "What cannot be agreed upon, will be set aside first. Things that can be advanced such as trade and investment will be advanced."

"But we will never give up territory and we will stand and protect national sovereignty and our sovereign rights." https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/05/20/2099643/palace-denies-confusing-wps-policy-says- no-need-convene-national-security-council

Philippines protests as China reimposes annual fishing ban ‘without basis’

Fishermen and conservation groups on Wednesday also denounced the May 1-Aug. 16 ban which covers waters north of the 12th parallel and two of the 12 fishing management areas

(FMAs) of the Philippines—designated as zones 5 and 6 by the Bureau of Fisheries and

Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

These zones include waters surrounding the provinces of , ,

Palawan, , , , , , , Bulacan,

Cavite, and .

The annual Chinese fishing ban roughly covers waters west of ’s Busuanga Island all the way north past Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, also called Bajo de Masinloc.

The Chinese regulation’s encroachment on Philippine territory “is a violation of Philippine sovereignty and sovereign rights,” Ivy Banzon Abalos, spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), told reporters on Tuesday, a day after Manila lodged its protest with

Beijing.

“And with the new Chinese Coast Guard law, it effectively grants the Chinese Coast Guard freedom and authority to use force within what it considers its maritime jurisdiction,” Abalos said. “This can curtail and put at risk the legitimate rights of Filipino fishermen to fish in

Philippine territorial waters and EEZ.”

Under that law, the Chinese Coast Guard is allowed to “take all necessary measures, including the use of weapons when national sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction are being illegally infringed upon by foreign organizations or individuals at sea.” ADVERTISEMENT

‘Verbal threat of war’

The DFA earlier protested against the law, which Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said was “a verbal threat of war to any country that defies” it.

The DFA said China’s unilateral ban did not exempt areas with the Philippines’ EEZ and did not limit it to Chinese vessels.

Citing Paragraph 716 of the July 2016 arbitral award on the South China Sea, it said the prohibition breached Article 56 of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea

(Unclos) “with respect to the Philippines’ sovereign rights over the living resources of its

EEZ.”

The award refers to the ruling of the arbitral tribunal that invalidated China’s sweeping claims to the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The award also affirmed the traditional and legitimate fishing rights of Filipino fishermen.

“China’s annual fishing moratorium extends far beyond China’s legitimate maritime entitlements under Unclos and is without basis under international law. China cannot legally impose nor legally enforce such a moratorium in the West Philippine Sea,” the DFA said in a statement on Tuesday.

It also strongly urged China “to desist from any action and activity that infringes on

Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction, in contravention of international law.”

The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea has told Filipino fishermen to ignore the

Chinese ban and continue fishing in Philippine waters. https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40001082

Filipino fisher folk told not to leave WPS despite China's fishing ban

Published May 20, 2021, 1:55 PM by Argyll Cyrus Geducos “Stay there.”

This was what Malacañang told Filipino fishermen despite China’s fishing moratorium over the South China Sea, assuring them that they will be protected from those who may try to drive them away.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque made the statement after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) fired a diplomatic protest against China’s fishing ban, saying it is “far beyond” Beijing’s maritime entitlements under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

In his press briefing on Thursday, Roque said China’s fishing ban has no effect in Philippine territory.

“Wala pong extraterritorial application ang mga batas ng mga dayuhang bansa (The laws of foreign countries do not have extraterritorial applications),” he said.

He, then, told Filipino fishermen not to leave the area and assured them that they will be protected against possible transgressions.

“Diyan lang po kayo sa ating mga traditional na fishing grounds (Just stay there in our traditional fishing grounds),” he said.

“Nandiyan naman po ang ating Coast Guard para pangalagaan din po ang interes ng ating mga mangingisda (Our Coast Guard is there to protect the interests of our fishermen),” he added.

China’s unilateral imposition of a fishing moratorium in the South China Sea until August 16 of this year came as tension in the disputed waters grew due to recent incursions of Chinese vessels in the area.

The DFA said in a statement that the Philippines does not recognize the fishing ban and that China cannot legally enforce such a moratorium in the West Philippine Sea. It likewise urged China to “desist from any action and activity that infringes on Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction, in contravention of international law.” https://mb.com.ph/2021/05/20/filipino-fisher-folk-told-not-to-leave-wps-despite-chinas-fishing-ban/ China fishing ban meant to assert control over South China Sea: analyst ABS-CBN News Posted at May 20 2021 10:13 AM | Updated as of May 20 2021 10:30 AM

This photo taken on June 7, 2014 shows fishing boats anchored at Ulugan Bay, near the mouth of the South China Sea, off Puerto Princesa on Palawan island. Ulugan Bay, with a coastline partly concealed by thick mangrove forests, is at the center of the Philippine military's efforts to shore up the defense of contested South China Sea islands and waters. Ted Aljibe, AFP/File MANILA - A 3-month fishing moratorium is imposed by China annually in parts of South China Sea to assert administrative control of the disputed waters, an analyst said Thursday.

Greg Poling, director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the Washington-based think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Chinese marine scientists may argue the ban was necessary to stop the impending collapse of fish stock.

"The South China Sea is grossly overfished and it is devastating the marine environment," he told ANC.

"But I don't think that that's what motivates Xi Jinping and leadership in places like Hainan who are actually in charge of their citizens in the South China Sea."

"For them, this is about asserting Chinese administrative control and so, they are happy to turn a blind eye to Chinese poachers. The point is to assert that these are Chinese waters and stop Filipino and Vietnamese fishermen from operating on them," he added.

Poling warned Beijing could de facto administer the moratorium if no country opposed it. "Legally, it also matters more because now if one doesn't actually protest the ban, China has the ability to de facto administer it," he said. "China will be able to say that Manila acceded, Manila by not objecting in essence recognized it."

The fishing moratorium imposed by China since 1999 runs from May 1 to Aug. 16 and covers the West Philippine Sea, the country's exclusive economic zone.

The Philippine government has filed a diplomatic protest against the unilateral ban, saying it does not recognize such moratorium.

"As announced by China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the ban covers 'waters north of 12 degrees north latitude' in the South China Sea. These waters include areas over which the Philippines exercises sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction," the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

Under the 2016 UN ruling that invalidated Beijing's claims in the South China Sea, the fishing ban violates Article 56 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which states that the Philippines, as the coastal state in the disputed waters, has "sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring and exploiting conserving and managing the natural resources" of the EEZ, the DFA added. https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/20/21/china-fishing-ban-meant-to-assert-control-over-south-china- sea-analyst

Duterte may invite former presidents to WPS meeting BYBUTCH FERNANDEZ MAY 21, 2021 INCUMBENT and former senators have pressed President Duterte to convene the National Security Council to tackle the brewing West Philippine Sea issue amid increasing incidents of China’s intrusions in Philippine territory.

In response, Palace officials said on Thursday the President was considering inviting former presidents of the country to a meeting on the issues in WPS.

“It is high time that the whole of government comes up with a clear and united stand on the West Philippine Sea issue,” said Senator Grace Poe in a statement, adding that “convening of the National Security Council ASAP would be a timely intervention.”

She reminded Malacañang Palace, “we cannot be divided as a nation when we talk about our sovereignty,” asserting that “protecting territorial integrity is so vital to a country’s survival that we must not confuse it with friendship or utang na loob.”

Poe stressed that, “this is the country’s resources we are talking about. There shouldn’t be any debate as to whether we should protect it or not. There is only one constitutional answer—we should. The only thing left for us to discuss now is how.”

At the same time, former Senator Rodolfo Biazon, urged the Executive to convene the NSC to craft a unified position on the West Philippine Sea. Biazon, a former Armed Forces chief of staff before joining the Senate, prodded Duterte to take the lead in addressing the issue.

He voiced concern that officials from the civilian and uniformed sectors seen to be conveying different positions. “The different pronouncements of the President, Cabinet members, lawmakers and ex-lawmakers and experts on the issue spawns danger and confusion,” he said, adding that even China may get confused and take aggressive action against the Philippines.

Biazon added that even other allies of the Philippines are likely to get confused and uncertain and be reluctant to help the Philippines counter China’s intrusions in its exclusive economic zone.

The former AFP chief-turned senator stressed that the President alone cannot decide what actions the government will take on the policy concerning the West Philippine Sea as the issue involves “national security and food security.”

He noted that the NSC, presided by Duterte as chairman, is composed of top officials of the Executive branch, including the Departments of National Defense and of Foreign Affairs, leaders of Congress and heads of the AFP and PNP. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/05/21/duterte-may-invite-former-presidents-to-wps-meeting/

'Un-Filipino': Duterte degrading statements of own advisers on West PH Sea - lawmaker ABS-CBN News Posted at May 20 2021 12:32 PM MANILA - "It's really a mess."

This is how opposition Sen. Risa Hontiveros described President Rodrigo Duterte's handling of Chinese repeated incursions in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

Speaking to ANC's Matters of Fact, Hontiveros said the President seemed to degrade the statements of his own advisers who have spoken out against Chinese intrusions in the West Philippine Sea.

"It's really a mess. And beyond the messaging part, which is clearly very messy. Palagay ko maling-mali ang posisyon ni Presidente sa Tsina at sa West Philippine Sea. And maybe, I can only guess as an outsider, maybe his own inner circle also have their own debates about the correctness not only of their messaging but the content. We've heard much better, proper positions from Sec. [Teodoro] Locsin, from Sec. [Delfin] Lorenzana about Philippine interests in the West Philippine Sea vis-a-vis China," she said in the interview.

"The President seems to degrade their statements by his repeated avowals of BFF niya ang Tsina, na ang Tsina ang in possession ng West Philippine Sea, and his silence on really egregious actions by China katulad nitong kamakailan na fishing ban laban sa ating mga mangingisda sa West Philippine Sea."

"So the President's silence and then when he speaks, his very un-Filipino pronouncements about these issues, 'yun talaga ang malaking mess, rather than The Hague ruling na sabi nila ay papel na dapat itapon sa basurahan. 'Yung ganitong pananahimik at pagiging un-Filipino sa kabila ng ginagawa ng Tsina— 'yun ang basura, at 'yun ang dapat itapon sa basurahan." https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/20/21/un-filipino-duterte-degrading-statements-of-own-advisers- on-west-ph-sea-lawmaker

Senators urge gov’t to come up with united stand on West Philippine Sea issue

Published May 20, 2021, 2:25 PM by Hannah Torregoza Senators on Thursday urged the country’s leaders to discuss, unify and come up with a strong stand on the issues hounding the West Philippine Sea to counter the confusing statements the public is hearing from Malacanang.

Senator Grace Poe said convening the National Security Council (NSC) to discuss the Philippine’s stand on the West Philippine Sea would be a timely intervention in the face of the conflicting declarations coming from President Duterte and some government officials.

“It is high time that the whole-of-government comes up with a clear and united stand on the West Philippine Sea issue. The convening of the NSC as soon as possible would be a timely intervention,” Poe said when sought to comment on former Senator Rodolfo Biazon’s call.

“We cannot be divided as a nation when we talk about our sovereignty. Protecting territorial integrity is so vital to a country’s survival that we must not confuse it with friendship or utang na loob (indebtedness),” Poe stressed.

The government, she said, should take into account that the country’s resources and future are at stake.

“This is the country’s resource we are talking about. There shouldn’t be any debate as to whether we should protect it or not. There is only one constitutional answer— we should. The only thing left for us to discuss now is how,” she stressed.

Senator Risa Hontiveros lamented that even President Duterte’s own closest people are quarreling among themselves about who will articulate the Philippine’s own foreign policy in light of the Chief Executive’s repeated avowals of friendship with China and disregarding the 2016 arbitral ruling at The Hague.

“I have never seen before a presidential legal counsel saying, oops hey I should also be a spokesperson on this issue. Secretary (Teddy) Locsin has already told Secretary (Harry) Roque that he should be the only one speaking about this, and in the end, after all, the President is the chief architect of the country’s foreign policy, and his alter egos can and should only say no more or less what his own policy is, as he has articulated it,” Hontiveros said in an interview on ANC.

“So again, we ultimately look to the President, to take the proper stand vis-a-vis China, for Philippine interest in the West Philippine Sea,” she added. Hontiveros said she agrees that Malacañang’s pronouncement on the West Philippine Sea issue is “really a mess” and it should be fixed quickly as soon as possible.

“Rather than saying that The Hague ruling should be thrown in the trash, the President’s silence and his un-Filipino statements are the ones that should go to the waste bin,” she stressed. https://mb.com.ph/2021/05/20/senators-urge-govt-to-come-up-with-united-stand-on-west-philippine- sea-issue/

Poe wants united stand on West Philippine Sea: 'Don't confuse protecting territory with utang na loob' Published May 20, 2021 3:30pm

Senator Grace Poe on Thursday urged the National Security Council (NSC) to convene and come up with a united position on the West Philippine Sea (WPS), saying the government is constitutionally mandated to protect the country's territory.

“It is high time that the whole of government comes up with a clear and united stand on the West Philippine Sea issue. The convening of the National Security Council as soon as possible would be a timely intervention,” Poe said in a text message to reporters.

Poe was echoing former Armed Forces chief and former Senator Rodolfo Biazon when he suggested that the Philippines should not be divided as a nation in its statements about sovereignty.

“Protecting territorial integrity is so vital to a country's survival that we must not confuse it with friendship or utang na loob (debt of gratitude),” she said

“This is the country’s resources we are talking about. There shouldn’t be any debate as to whether we should protect it or not. There is only one constitutional answer— we should. The only thing left for us to discuss now is how,” she added.

In an interview on Wednesday, Biazon suggested the legislative department to take the Constitutional path in asserting the Philippines’ rights in the WPS by passing a resolution in both Houses of Congress that will call for the convening of the NSC.

“I came here to campaign for a convening of the National Security Council. Because the NSC can provide us, the Filipino people, everybody, including the policy makers, national policymakers, national program implementers and our people, a very clear projection of a clear, united national position on this,” Biazon said in an interview.

Biazon stressed the danger of the Philippine government coming out with "confusing" positions on the WPS.

“Right now, we are confused and that is dangerous. We are not only confusing ourselves. We are also confusing potential allies in our pursuit of our national interests in the area. We are confusing our policymakers and program implementers,” he said.

This confusion might also be used by China in making “dangerous move,” thinking that the Philippines has already given up its pursuit of national interest in the WPS.

“With the help of the legislature, we have to call a convening of the National Security Council to provide us a clear, united position on the issue,” he said. In his Monday night public address, President Rodrigo Duterte delegated presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. as the government's sole spokesman on the WPS issue.

“If we have to talk, we talk and tayo-tayo lang and there is one spokesman. Si Secretary (Harry) Roque," Duterte said.

His statement came after Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. emphasized that international diplomacy should be left exclusively to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Some senators have been calling out the Executive Department over the different statements being issued on its stand on the WPS.

One of them was Senator Panfilo Lacson, who earlier said that distinguishing Duterte’s jokes from his official statements on the WPS was problematic.

He also noted the mixed signals that are being relayed by the Executive Department which also confuses the Armed Force Philippines.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon also said it was “quite unfortunate” for the Philippines that its Cabinet officials and Duterte were sending across different messages on the territorial issue.

Recently, Duterte said the Philippines' arbitral victory in 2016 against China's massive claims in the West Philippine Sea before the United Nations is just paper fit to be thrown in the trash. -MDM, GMA News https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/788247/poe-wants-united-stand-on-west- philippine-sea-don-t-confuse-protecting-territory-with-utang-na-loob/story/

Carpio, Roque answer queries on fishing rights, territorial dispute in West Philippine Sea Published May 20, 2021 7:30pm Former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio and presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who were supposed to have a public debate on the West Philippine Sea issue, responded to GMA News' questions regarding the contested territories.

In a report by Ivan Mayrina and Raffy Tima on "24 Oras," Carpio and Roque answered concerns on the value of the 2016 arbitral ruling, China's behavior on the territorial dispute, China's fishing rights, and events in the 2012 Scarborough Shoal standoff.

Specifically, GMA News asked the Palace official and President Rodrigo Duterte's critic about the following issues:

• The Philippines considers the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling on the West Philippine Sea a big win over China. What is its real value since China refuses to acknowledge it? • Can we influence China to change its behavior? Do we have any leverage or influence on China? And how can we utilize them to our advantage? • Who has possession of the West Philippine Sea? • In resolving the conflict in the West Philippine Sea, is the military option our only option? • What would be an acceptable settlement to the territorial dispute? • Can Chinese fishermen fish inside our exclusive economic zone in the WPS? • What lessons did we learn from the loss of Scarborough Shoal and Mischief Reef? How can we prevent this from happening again? To recall, Duterte backed out from his debate with Carpio regarding the matters on West Philippine Sea. Roque then said he will represent the President in the square off with the retired high court justice.

Carpio, meanwhile, rejected Roque's proposal for the debate because of the topic that will be covered in the dispute. He said it is futile to debate on how Philippines lost Scarborough Shoal to China because there is no evidence to prove that China seized the island.—Consuelo Marquez/AOL, GMA News https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/788283/carpio-roque-answer-queries-on-fishing- rights-territorial-dispute-in-west-philippine-sea/story/

Govt stakes claim over Philippine Rise with installation of state-of-the-art buoys BYRENE ACOSTA MAY 21, 2021 Philippine government has formally marked its ownership of the Philippine (Benham) Rise. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG ) and M- NA V Solutions Inc. successfully installed three state-of-the-art lighted ocean buoys in the territory’s maritime waters from May 14 up to 16, an activity that followed earlier maritime training exercises that the Coast Guard held in the West Philippine Sea, including Scarborough Shoal. The government formally marked its ownership of the Philippine Rise as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and M-NAV Solutions Inc. successfully installed three state-of-the-art lighted ocean buoys in the territory’s maritime waters.

A news statement said Coast Guard and M-NAV Solutions Inc. personnel mounted the buoys from May 14 to 16, 2021, an activity that followed earlier maritime training exercises that the Coast Guard held in the West Philippine Sea, including the Scarborough Shoal.

The buoys were transported by vessel MV MORNING LIGHT from the Uni-Orient Pearl Ventures Inc. shipyard in Mandaue, , to the Philippine Rise on May 12, 2021, where the installation of the navigational aid subsequently followed.

Coast Guard Commandant, George Ursabia Jr. said the presence of buoys in the Philippine Rise sends message that the “vicinity waters is considered a special protected zone. Hence, mining and oil exploration are strictly prohibited to preserve its rich natural resources.” The buoys are equipped with modern marine aids to navigation lanterns, specialized mooring systems and a remote monitoring system that uses satellite technology to transmit data to the Coast Guard National Headquarters in Port Area, Manila.

The Coast Guard’s Maritime Safety Services Command (MSSC) said seven more state-of-the-art lighted ocean buoys will arrive in the country this year to mark other vicinity waters inside Philippines’s exclusive economic zone. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/05/21/govt-stakes-claim-over-philippine-rise-with-installation-of- state-of-the-art-buoys/

Udenna buys Shell stake in Malampaya gas field for $460 million BYLENIE LECTURA MAY 21, 2021

A platform at the Malampaya gas field is seen in this BusinessMirror file photo. DENNIS UY-LED Udenna Corp. now controls 90 percent of the Malampaya gas-to-power project after Shell Petroleum N.V. sold its entire stake in the gas project for a total of $460 million.

A Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) was signed Thursday with Malampaya Energy XP Pte Ltd. for the sale of Shell Petroleum’s 100- percent shareholding in Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. (SPEX).

SPEX holds a 45-percent operating interest in Service Contract 38 (SC38), which includes the producing Malampaya gas field. The other partners in SC38 are UC38 LLC, another subsidiary of UC (45 percent), and Philippine National Oil Company Exploration Corporation (10 percent).

“The base consideration for the sale is $380 million, with additional payments of up to $80 million between 2022 and 2024 contingent on asset performance and commodity prices,” a statement from Shell Philippines said.

The deal is still subject to partner and regulatory approvals. The transaction is targeted to be completed by the end of 2021. “Since it began commercial operations in 2002, Malampaya has supplied a significant portion of the Philippines’s energy demand and it will continue powering the country with indigenous gas following a safe transition of the asset and its experienced work force,” said Wael Sawan, Shell’s Upstream director. “Today’s announcement is consistent with Shell’s efforts to shift our Upstream portfolio to one that is focused on nine core positions.”

This deal has no impact on other Shell businesses in country. The Philippines remains an important country for Shell after over a century of successful operations. Shell will continue to pursue opportunities in the Philippines where it can leverage its global expertise in line with its strategy.

“Shell and the country leadership will always be grateful for the dedication, professionalism, and support that the entire SPEX organization has contributed to the wider SciP [Shell companies in the Philippines] family in particular, and to our country in general,” said SciP Country Chairman Cesar Romero.

In April this year, the Department of Energy (DOE) has approved the transfer of Chevron Malampaya LLC’s 45-percent stake to UC Malampaya Pte. Ltd.

“We are tremendously proud of Malampaya Energy for acquiring one of Shell’s most successful natural gas assets in Asia, which of course includes the world-class SPEX team currently operating Malampaya,” said Uy, UC chairman and CEO.

Malampaya delivers a fifth of the Philippines’s growing electricity requirements through the supply of natural gas to five power plants in . The asset has been operating safely and reliably since 2002 and has contributed over $10 billion in revenues to the Philippine government to date.

SPEX staff will be retained by Malampaya Energy. “The ongoing safety and reliability of Malampaya is our top priority and will be delivered by the same experienced team of upstream professionals from SPEX working with consistent practices. They will be strongly supported by our newly established Upstream Decision Review Board of industry leaders and the ex-Chevron and ex-Shell upstream specialists in our Malampaya Energy business, who are already actively involved in managing the Malampaya consortium,” said Belinda Racela, top executive of Malampaya Energy.

“We are excited about the future growth opportunities at Malampaya. Our teams are accelerating exploration and production plans to extend the life of the Malampaya field and expand supplies of affordable, safe, low-carbon and indigenous energy for the nation,” Racela added. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/05/21/udenna-buys-shell-stake-in-malampaya-gas-field-for-460- million/

Lorenzana wants 1 general per 1,000 military personnel ratio in AFP By HANA BORDEY, GMA News Published May 20, 2021 1:27pm Saying there are “too many generals” in the force, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Thursday proposed a one star-rank official per 1,000 military personnel ratio in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

During the Senate national defense committee hearing on bills prescribing fixed terms for the Chief-of-Staff and other key officers of the AFP and reforming the pension system of military and uniformed personnel, Lorenzana underscored the need to set the percentage of generals at .1% of the total number of military personnel.

“As it stands today, by virtue of passed legislation, the percentage is .125 and in fact we have already exceeded that percentage because as of today, we have 190 generals in the Armed Forces of the Philippines when it should have been only 170 as per the percentage,” he said.

“Our strength is 143,000, that means we should only have 143 generals in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. I believe, personally, that we have too many generals in the Armed Forces,” he added.

He told the Senate panel that the AFP should maintain the ratio of general per troop at 1:1,000.

“That is actually maliit ‘yun dapat 1 is to 1,500 but for our purpose, .1 percent will already do,” he said.

Lorenzana said maintaining this ratio will be “healthier for the organization.”

Senator Richard Gordon has filed Senate Bill 1785 as he said the personnel of the AFP should have longer terms in office to foster continuity of policies and implement meaningful long-term plans for the institution.

The Senate defense panel also tackled other measures that seek to raise the compulsory retirement age for military and uniformed personnel as senators previously pointed out that this will ease the government’s expenses on their retirement benefits.

Albay Representative Joey Salceda has also warned of a looming crisis in the pension system of the MUP unless reforms are undertaken by the government.—AOL, GMA News https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/788220/lorenzana-wants-1-general-per-1-000- military-personnel-ratio-in-the-afp/story/

-7- benefits ‘3 20’ applies in processing of uniformed personnel By Kris Crismundo May 20, 2021, 5:15 pm

NEW TASK FORCE. The Anti-Red Tape Authority leads the creation of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Streamlining the Processing of Uniformed Services Benefit Claims in a virtual ceremony on Thursday (May 20, 2021). The task force will simplify the processes of claiming benefits of uniformed personnel. (Photo courtesy of ARTA)

MANILA – The government has simplified the process of claiming benefits of uniformed personnel with the creation of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Streamlining the Processing of Uniformed Services Benefit Claims.

A joint memorandum circular (JMC), signed on Thursday in a virtual ceremony, was initiated by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to simplify and speed up the processing of death benefit claims and other entitlements of legal beneficiaries of uniformed personnel.

The JMC was signed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine Statistics Authority, National Police Commission, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

"It's unfortunate that our uniformed personnel spent their time serving and giving their lives for the country subalit ang mga pamilya naman nila ang nahihirapan sa mahabang proseso sa pagkuha ng mga gasinong benepisyo (but their families suffer from long processes in obtaining even the smallest of benefits)," ARTA director general Jeremiah Belgica said during the signing ceremony.

ARTA Deputy Director General Carlos Quita, who will chair the task force, said the JMC targets to apply the "3-7-20" rule for the entire process of claiming the benefits, not just by the agency.

Prior to the JMC, a benefits claim takes between three and 20 days per agency, depending on the complexity of the process. With the signing of JMC, the entire process shall be streamlined among agencies.

Under the implementing rules and regulations of the Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act, government agencies shall complete simple transactions within three working days; seven working days for complex transactions; and 20 days for highly technical transactions.

The task force has started to review the existing processes of all the involved agencies and bureaus for initial analysis of standardization of processes.

Quita said they target to implement the streamlined and automated process by end of the year. (PNA) https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140946 Solon's threat to 'red-tag' fellow legislator mars Lower House briefing on community pantry

Published May 20, 2021, 6:30 PM by Ben Rosario While several congressional leaders crossed partylines to condemn the alleged red-tagging efforts against organizers and supporters of community pantries, a senior administration lawmaker bluntly threatened to link a young solon to the communist rebellion during a briefing on the controversy conducted recently by the House Committee on Human Rights Senior Majority Leader and Cavite Rep. Crispin Remulla’s behavior during the hearing drew sharp criticisms from the Makabayan bloc that admitted on Thursday, May 20 to raise to Speaker Lord Allan Velasco the administration solon’s alleged demonstration of disrespect to a fellow legislator.

“All of us are members of the House of Representatives so certainly we will bring this matter to our head in the minority, as well as in the House leadership,” House Deputy Minority Leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate said in response to a reporter’s query during a Makabayan press conference on Thursday.

Zarate said that while the Makabayan bloc and Remulla have had “several instances” of clashes in opinions on several issues, “we respect his position”.

“We hope he should also respect our position as co-equal member. While he may be a senior majority leader, we are co-equal,” stated Zarate.

During Wednesday’s virtual briefing presided over by City 4th District Rep. Jesus “Bong” Suntay, Remulla linked community pantry organizers and their supporters to the communist movement, insisting that their criticisms against the government abetted rebellion.

The briefing discussed the complaint of community pantry organizer Patricia Non against alleged harassment and ‘red-tagging’ she faced as she and her friends distributed free food and other basic needs to individuals distressed by the effects of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID 19) epidemic.

“If you really want to go to the other side of the road, kung gusto mo ibagsak ang gobyerno, you have to suffer the conserquences. Rebelliion is a crime,” Remulla said.

In reaction, Commission on Human Rights representative Erwin Caliba reminded the House official that criticism against government should not be interpreted as a move to bring down government.

Rep. Sarah Jane Elago, representative of the youth partylist group Kabataan, explained that the demand for accountability from government “is part of protected speech”. “Walang ilegal dito. Hindi pwedeng pakialaman ng PNP… ng AFP at ating mga law enforcement agencies ito (There is nothing illegal here. The PNP, AFP and other law enforcement agencies are barred from interfering),” said Elago.

Clearly, stunned by Remulla’s statement, Elago said: “Bakit natin idinidikit ang community pantry, hindi po ito pumapatay ng tao. (Why are we linking the community pantry, it does not kill people) In fact, it is saving lives.” While Elago was explaining her position, Remulla tried twice to cut her by declaring that “aiding and abetting rebellion is a crime.”

“Hindi porke’t sumusuporta sa community pantry ay sumusuporta rin sa rebelyon. Kasi parang ganoon po iyong ipinararating ninyo (Not because one is supporting the community party, he is also supporting rebellion. It seems that is what you are trying to say),” stated Elago.

Apparently irked by Elago’s statement, Remulla threatened to link the partylist lawmaker to a move to overthrow government.

“Gusto mo ikonek natin, kung gusto mo ikokonek ko sa iyo? (Do you want me to link it; if you want I can connect this to you)” Remulla said.

To this, Elago responded: “Kung meron kayong ganyang akusasyon dalhin natin sa korte (If you are accusing me, let’s go to court).” Zarate said there have been a number of times that Makabayan bloc members were threatened with court cases, with government claiming possessing enough evidence to back up its accusations.

“You’ve been boasting you have truckload of cases; bring them to the proper forum where we can cross examine and look at your evidence,” Zarate said.

Gabriela Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas said the human rights panel should not have let what happened to slide. She said House members should have been treated with respect, especially during official proceedings. https://mb.com.ph/2021/05/20/solons-threat-to-red-tag-fellow-legislator-mars-lower-house-briefing- on-community-pantry/

Community pantries should uplift PH,

By Filane Mikee Cervantes May 20, 2021, 1:35 pm notMANILA –demean A spokesperson of thegov’t National Taskefforts Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has lamented that the Filipino “bayanihan” (working together) spirit has been used for political ends and “bastardized” by some groups.

During Wednesday’s hearing of the House Committee on Human Rights on the emergence of community pantries, NTF-ELCAC spokesperson, Undersecretary Severo Catura, said that while he welcomes such initiative for people participation in the campaign to uplift the daily struggle of the poor, he lamented that critics chose to show the government on a bad light.

“The government is saddened that the Filipinos’ capacity of overextending kindness and generosity exemplified in the bayanihan has been used for political ends by some groups,” Catura said.

"The reason they're doing this is because they're telling people that our government is palpak (a failure) and is incapable of addressing our people's needs in the time of the pandemic, and questions this government's moral ascendancy to remain in authority.”

He said community pantries may be new, but the concept is not, as similar activities have been organized several times over, like community grocery, feeding programs, kindness kitchens, food banks, parish outreach missions, and social service for the poor that have been in operation long before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Such activities were done without fanfare, in an orderly fashion, without media hype, and “most importantly, without any hint at demeaning government for alleged failure in governance”, Catura said.

“The much-loved Filipino virtue of bayanihan has been so bastardized that, as a serious human rights advocate, I can only deem this act as an affront and insult to Filipino culture,” he said.

He believes that in the context of promoting economic, social, and cultural rights, the community pantry does not contribute at all in promoting the general welfare of society and must be addressed accordingly.

“The Philippine government welcomes all support from all sectors in society in the campaign to uplift the lives of the people in these difficult times, so long as such support reinforces the beauty of the Filipino’s bayanihan spirit, does not use and abuse the same for some political ends, or use the same to blame and shame the government and the Filipinos in general before the international community,” he said.

He said such initiatives should not “foment hatred or distrust” against anyone, any group, or the government. Catura said the government has been conducting its own version of community pantries in marginalized communities not only in relation to the pandemic, but also because of natural calamities last year. (PNA) https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140894

AFP lauds ASoG for support on military education

By Priam Nepomuceno May 20, 2021, 9:37 am

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday formally recognized the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG) for its continuous support to improve military training and education.

ASoG has been assisting the military in the conduct of the Competency and Training Needs Analysis (CTNA) for AFP field grade officers since 2019.

“The military leadership extends its gratitude to the Ateneo School of Government for coming up with a customized training design that will help our soldiers, , airmen and marines realize the AFP’s desired competencies,” said AFP chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana in a statement.

The CTNA’s primary objective is to identify the competencies essential to the effective and efficient discharge of responsibilities of the military’s Middle Managers with the rank of major to colonel.

The plaque of recognition was received by Ma. Christina Alikpala, MBA, ASoG's academic head, in a ceremony held at the Office of the Chief of Staff in Camp Aguinaldo, .

“This is one of our humble ways that we can contribute to the whole of nation approach to security where civil servants from other government agencies interact with fellow students coming from the AFP in a healthy exchange of ideas and promote meaningful partnership,” Alikpala said.

The Competency Framework for Middle Managers reflecting the proficiency levels was developed from the result of the research. Extrinsic competencies pertain to Stakeholder Engagement, Policy Analysis, Planning, Systems Thinking, Solutions Focused, People Management, Self-Mastery, and Communication.

On the other hand, the intrinsic competencies are People Management, Self-Mastery, and Communication.

The AFP and ASoG sustained the partnership in 2020 and conducted another CTNA Project for junior officers (company-grade officers) now covering the ranks of 2nd to .

The project became an extension of the AFP-ASoG Middle Managers’ Competency Framework that completes the AFP-ASoG Competency Framework for Officers Continuum.

The project was formally concluded in the first quarter of 2021, and was approved and noted by the AFP chief this April 7.

Currently, the ASoG has 80 AFP scholars enrolled in its post-graduate governance programs. “The CTNA Projects pave the way for the institutionalization of a progressive learning continuum on leadership and management for the AFP. This is a significant milestone for the organization as we continue to enhance our partnership with our stakeholders as an institution that is neither above nor below the Filipinos rather than beside them in achieving lasting peace and development,” Sobejana said. (PNA) https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140878

‘Deliberate falsehood’: Court frees Red-tagged store owner

By: Delfin T. Mallari Jr., Krixia Subingsubing - @inquirerdotnet

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:42 AM May 21, 2021

Batangas Court orders release of wrongfully accused Lamberto Asinas. PHOTO from PILC

A Regional Trial Court (RTC) judge has ordered the release of a Red- - ce who submitted tagged “sari sari” store owner whose house was raided last year by poli warrant. inadmissible evidence and used “deliberate falsehood” in applying for a search In a 10-page amended order signed on May 6 and released to the media only on May 19, Judge Wilhelmina Go Santiago of RTC Branch 14 in Nasugbu, Batangas, illegally seized evidence. approved Lamberto Asinas’ motion to quash the search warrant and to exclude Police had described Asinas as a ranking intelligence officer of the communist New d no personal knowledge of him before securing the warrant. People’s Army, but the judge ruled that the raiders ha Asinas was arrested on April 16, 2020, after police claimed to have seized firearms in his home on the strength of a search warrant issued by Sta. Cruz Branch 27 Judge Cynthia Ricablanca. He was freed on May 6 and is now back home in Sitio Alas-as, Bunducan, Nasugbu, according to his lawyer, Kristina Conti of the Public Interest Law Center (PILC).

But Asinas is “very scared” and his family “traumatized” by his experience, Conti afraid that the police raiders who had swarmed their community would return. said in a phone interview on Thursday. She said even Asinas’ neighbors were https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1434585/deliberate-falsehood-court-frees-red-tagged-store-owner

House concurs to Rody’s proclamations

granting amnesty to former rebels Published 21 hours ago on May 20, 2021 06:32 PM By Michelle R. Guillang @tribunephl_mish

The House of Representatives has concurred with President Rodrigo Duterte’s proclamations granting amnesty to former members of four major rebel groups.

Lawmakers in a plenary session on Wednesday evening adopted House Concurrent Resolutions 12 to 15, concurring with Presidential Proclamations 1090 to 1093 granting amnesty to Muslim and communist rebels who have committed crimes punishable under the Revised Penal Code and Special Penal Laws in furtherance of their political beliefs.

Qualified members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Rebolusyunaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB), and Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) are covered by the proclamations.

House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, Majority Leader Martin Romualdez, and Minority Leader Joseph Stephen “Caraps” Paduano principally authored the concurrent resolutions.

The House chief described the development as a “significant milestone toward reconciliation and lasting peace in the country.”

“We are one with President Duterte in his noble desire to give Muslim and communist insurgents a second chance at life,” Velasco said.

“Accepting these rebels back into the folds of the law through amnesty and eventually providing them access to government’s existing socioeconomic services are essential to attaining peace and reconciliation in the country,” he added.

Romualdez, for this part, said the concurrent resolutions will strengthen President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration’s peace-building efforts with former communist rebels. This, he also believed, will make the administration make headway into the full implementation of the Chief Executive’s program of reintegrating them into civilian life.

The House leader disclosed that Velasco ordered the “immediate passage” of the resolutions in support of Mr. Duterte’s “peace and stability program.”

“I now appeal to our brothers and sisters who are eligible to avail of this amnesty offer. It is high time to abandon the armed struggle and take advantage of the amnesty program offered by the President,” Romualdez said.

“Returning to the fold of law does not mean giving up your ideals. What you have fought for will be achieved under the amnesty program being implemented by the government. A home in your own parcel of land. Free education for your children. A stable job to feed your family,” he stressed.

“But what is the most important benefit of this amnesty program? Filipinos can now enjoy the company of a family or friends, in the comfort of their own home and communities, without fear of being caught in the crossfire between government and rebel forces.

“A long and lasting peace. One that is based on justice and prosperity,” he said.

Under Section 19, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution, it allows the President to grant amnesty with the concurrence of a majority of all the Members of the Congress.

The grant of amnesty will extinguish any criminal liability for acts committed in pursuit of political beliefs, without prejudice to the grantee’s civil liability for injuries or damages caused to private persons whose right to be indemnified is fully recognized herein.

Romualdez explained that the proclamations cover crimes committed due to their political belief such as “acts and omissions performed or undertaken as part of a plan, program of action or strategy decided by the rebel leadership to overthrow and replace the National Government, any of its political subdivisions, or duly constituted authority, with or without the use of arms.”

However, the amnesty does not cover crimes such as kidnap for ransom, massacre, rape, terrorism, and other crimes committed against chastity as defined in the RPC as amended, according to Romualdez.

Moreover, crimes committed for personal ends; violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Act of 2002 and grave violations of the Geneva Convention of 1949 are not covered.

Also excluded are those identified by the United Nations as crimes that can never be amnestied such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture, enforced disappearances, and other gross violations of human rights. An Amnesty Commission will be formed to review the applications after both the Senate and House of Representatives have concurred with the measures.

The agency will be in charge of receiving and processing applications for amnesty and determine if applicants are entitled to reprieve under the proclamations.

https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/05/20/house-concurs-to-rodys-proclamations-granting- amnesty-to-former-rebels/

The folly of the Duterte Administration’s appeasement policy on China and the Belt and Road Initiatives

Dr. Renato de Castro, Trustee and Convenor of the National Security and East Affairs Program, Stratbase ADR Institute Maritime

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) origin could be traced back to October 2014 when President Xi Jinping, speaking before the Indonesian Parliament, proposed the formation of a China- ASEAN community with a common destiny to provide a new blueprint for a new Maritime Silk Road. He also suggested the creation of an Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to finance China-ASEAN infrastructure connectivity especially the ports facilities along the route. By launching these new initiatives, the Chinese leader put forth a new agenda for China-ASEAN relations involving the familiar themes of closer economic, social, diplomatic, and security ties without compromising the South China Sea issue. As a tool of economic statecraft, the BRI enables China to use its massive financial resources, networks, and human interchanges to establish more comprehensive trade and diplomatic relations with countries in and Asia. It also facilitates China’s utilization of existing regional organizations to the greatest extent possible for negotiations, coordination, and enhanced connectivity.

China clarified its goal to promote economic development via the Maritime Silk Road, which begins from its coastal provinces through the South China Sea to the South Pacific. Relevant to the South China Sea dispute, the BRI has greatly stabilized China’s bilateral relations with Southeast Asian countries. Many of these countries lack technological expertise and stable financial institutions to raise the capital needed to fund their long-term development projects. Through the BRI, China is poised to make huge investments in Southeast Asian infrastructure, including railways, highways, seaports, power plants, and digital communication network facilities.

LURED BY THE BRIs

At the onset of his term in June 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte and his economic advisers were aware that the Philippines had not fared well in competing with its more prosperous Southeast Asian neighbors for foreign investments primarily because of the country’s lack of infrastructure. Potentially, Chinese public investments for infrastructure development projects would be forthcoming if Philippine-China relations — severely strained during the previous administration — were improved considerably. Then ad interim Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay echoed the administration’s position on the South China Sea dispute as he declared, “that the relationship between the two countries (China and the Philippines) was not limited to the maritime dispute. There were other areas of concern in such fields as investment, trade, and tourism and discussing them could open the doors for talks on the maritime issues.” With the benefit of hindsight, the historical first meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Duterte could have offered expansive opportunities to enhance bilateral operations. While coordination and cooperation to build infrastructure were the manifest motives, the two leaders have two different, but intersecting intentions hinged on their individual agendas. For President Xi Jinping, the Philippines’ inclusion within the BRI framework places the whole archipelago in the clutches of China’s grandiose expansionist agenda. For President Duterte, the BRI projects would bolster his infrastructure agenda alongside the consolidation of his power in government. Either way, the interests of the Philippine people and the importance of railways, urban rail transit, highways, ports, and other facilities are leveraged.

THE FOLLY OF APPEASING CHINA

So far, no substantial results have come out of the administration’s appeasement policy as it is not clear how the BRI fund can be tapped. The Philippines was not a party when China unveiled the initiative in 2015 because of the tension over the South China Sea dispute. China excluded the Philippines from the web of six economic corridors linking China with neighboring sub- regions. By the time the Philippines became a BRI participant in 2017, the initiative suffered major setbacks due to cancellations.

Former Philippine National Economic Development Authority Secretary-General Ernesto M. Pernia publicly admitted the slow inflow of Chinese ODA because of the two countries’ very strict screening process in scrutinizing loan agreements and implementation of contracts. In late 2019, he also argued that part of the issue is unfamiliarity. The Philippines is “not used to Chinese ODA as we are with other partner [countries] like Japan and South Korea.” The Nomura Research Institute observed delays in the implementation of the BRI-funded projects caused not only by technical issues but also because of domestic political struggles, developments related to the South China Sea dispute, and the forthcoming change in Philippine regime in 2022.

Associated with the BRI is China’s predatory financing. Philippine experience manifests the growing impact of corrosive capital as exemplified in the four case studies undertaken by the Stratbase ADR Institute in partnership with the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE). According to the study, “defective consultation process in both CRPIP and NCWS-KDP projects” were a concern, “where project construction started ahead of the completion of the consultation process in violation of the Indigenous People’s Rights Act of 1997.”

Further, in the case of DITO Telecommunity, “it is not an ODA, but Duterte offered China to become the third telecom player.” The study also found that “For the Safe Philippines Project, bidding was open exclusively for Chinese contractors.” In its entirety, the study concluded that “transparency issues are recurring in all four case studies involving Chinese investments in the Philippines.” https://adrinstitute.org/2021/05/19/the-folly-of-the-duterte-administrations-appeasement-policy-on- china-and-the-belt-and-road-initiatives/ China, Philippines to hold sixth BCM meeting on South China Sea

Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 20:35:22|Editor: huaxia

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China and the Philippines will hold the sixth meeting of the bilateral consultation mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea via video link in the near future, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a daily press briefing on Thursday.

The two sides will exchange views over the current situation in the South China Sea and maritime issues between the two countries, and explore ways to further expand exchanges and cooperation in areas such as maritime , marine fishery, marine ecological and environmental protection, and scientific research, according to the spokesperson.

"The delegations of the two sides will be headed by China's Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Jianghao and Philippine Foreign Undersecretary Elizabeth Buensuceso, respectively," Zhao said, adding that the attendees will include officials from sectors such as foreign affairs, national defense, natural resources, agriculture and environmental protection.

"We hope this meeting will achieve positive results," he said.

Early in 2017, China and the Philippines established the BCM, aiming to build trust and promote maritime security and cooperation, he noted.

The two sides have held five meetings under the BCM, conducting in-depth communication and dialogue on bilateral maritime issues, properly handling maritime differences, and promoting exchanges and cooperation in various fields such as maritime search and rescue, maritime security, oil and gas development and marine fishery, said Zhao.

"The BCM has played positive roles in promoting the healthy and stable development of China-Philippines relations and maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea," he noted. Enditem http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021-05/20/c_139958902.htm

Singapore uses misinformation law to swat online virus claim

By AFP - May 20, 2021 @ 5:01pm

A restaurant worker prepares takeaway food from customers in Singapore, 16 May 2021. Singapore has tightened its circuit breaker restrictions in response to a rise in COVID-19 cases through the community and a local spread of the B.1.617.2 virus variant. Groups will be restricted to two and dining-in at restaurants will not be permitted. Offices will also implement work from home policies and students from the primary school level will also begin home- based learning starting from next week. - EPA/WALLACE WOON SINGAPORE: Singapore used a misinformation law Thursday to order Facebook and Twitter to warn users about what it said were false claims about a dangerous coronavirus strain emerging in the city.

New Delhi's chief minister Arvind Kejriwal claimed this week on social media that a strain of the virus had appeared in Singapore that could trigger a new wave of cases in India, and urged a flight ban.

But the city-state strongly rejected what it said were "unfounded assertions" -- insisting there was no such thing as a "Singapore variant". India's own government also strongly criticised Kejriwal.

Singapore said a strain recently detected there, and responsible for an uptick in cases, had originated in India.

But claims about a "Singapore variant" began circulating online, prompting leaders to order Facebook, Twitter and a local technology-focused portal to post the warnings.

Facebook and Twitter confirmed they had received the request and complied with it. https://www.nst.com.my/world/world/2021/05/691689/singapore-uses-misinformation-law-swat- online-virus-claim US, China must learn to cooperate or war could ruin us all: Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong

• ‘Everything is to be lost’ in the event of a military conflict between the world’s two largest economies, and casualties would be a certainty, warns Lee Hsien Loong • Even if Washington and Beijing cannot learn to trust each other fully, they must learn to cooperate on areas such as climate change and health, he says

The United States and China must find ways to cooperate even if there is no full trust between them because if relations continue to plummet, the possibility of military conflict would have dire consequences for the rest of the world, Singapore

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said.Speaking during an interview at the inaugural Global Forum on Economic Recovery, hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Lee said if the two

countries clashed, “everything is to be lost”. anxiety at the very least and conflict possibly all over the

America“You are andgoing China to have too.” a state of tension – – world,” Lee said, adding: “This is going to be bad, not just for other countries big and small, but for both https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3134243/us-china-must-learn-cooperate-or-war- could-ruin-us-all-singapore

China preens in U.N. spotlight over Mideast as U.S. isolated

Michelle Nichols

5 minute read

The United Nations logo is seen on a window in an empty hallway at United Nations headquarters during the 75th annual U.N. General Assembly high-level debate, which is being held mostly virtually due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in New York, U.S., September 21, 2020. REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo

U.S. isolation at the United Nations over efforts to end renewed Middle East violence has seen China seize the chance to burnish its multilateral leadership credentials, diplomats say, just months after President Joe Biden declared: "America is back." https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/china-preens-un-spotlight-over-mideast-us-isolated-2021- 05-19/

Why do so many people join the Communist Party in China? Posted : 2021-05-20 12:38 Updated : 2021-05-20 12:38

China's ruling Communist Party had only 50 members when it was founded in 1921 by Chen Duxiu and Li Dazhao.

Both Chen and Li studied Marxism in Japan, and were among the Chinese intellectuals with communist ideas that were influential in the 1919 student protests known as the May Fourth Movement.

The party they founded has since grown to become the second-largest in the world ― after the Bharatiya Janata Party, one of India's two major political parties - with almost 92 million members.

After the party won the civil war and established the People's Republic of China in 1949, membership grew to 22 million in the next two decades and continued to rise.

In this century, membership rose at an average of 2.4 percent annually under Hu Jintao, who served as the party's general secretary from 2002 to 2012 before growth slowed markedly to about 1 percent a year in the past decade, according to official data.

In 2013, the party's organization department set an annual growth target for membership of "about 1.5 percent" over the next 10 years, as President Xi Jinping ― who also serves as party general secretary ― ordered it to "control numbers" and "improve the quality" of members.

Today, one in every 15 people in China is a Communist Party member. There are almost 5 million local- level party organizations, also known as party cells, pervading every aspect of Chinese society, from villages, schools and neighborhoods to private companies and institutes.

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/world/2021/05/672_309104.html

China deploys offshore oil production rig in South China Sea

• Lufeng 14-4 central platform set to go into operation by end of the year, CNOOC says • It will enhance China’s large-scale offshore oil and gas equipment construction and installation capabilities, company says

The float- platform has been completed, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) said on Thursday. over installation of China’s largest independently designed offshore crude oil production The Lufeng 14-4 central platform, which is located in the South China Sea about 200km (124 miles) southeast of Hong Kong, is set to go into operation at the end of the year.

at once operational, the platform would explore the Lufeng 14-4 and Lufeng 14-8 oilfields, and provide more natural gas and oilGao resources Shuang, general for the Guangdong-Hongdirector of the company’s Kong-Macau Lufeng Greater oil complex Bay Area project, said th

. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3134232/china-deploys-offshore-oil-production- rig-south-china-sea

China builds key highway in Tibet

It cuts through the world’s deepest canyon, the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon, and its likely terminus is Baibung county (known as Drepung in Tibetan), close to the Indian village of Bishing in Arunachal Pradesh

By Sutirtho Patranobis I Edited by Amit Chanda

UPDATED ON MAY 20, 2021 03:30 PM IST

China has completed building a highway including a 2km mountain tunnel in a remote part of southeastern Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), which ends near the border with Arunachal Pradesh, posing a security challenge to India.

The highway cuts through the world’s deepest canyon, the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon, and its likely terminus is Baibung county (known as Drepung in Tibetan), close to the Indian border village of Bishing in the Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The village of Bishing is located in Arunachal’s Gelling circle, which touches the McMahon Line, the de-facto Sino-India border in the region.

The highway is part of China’s ambitious plans to build roads and tunnels along the length of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India, connecting far-flung areas to inland cities and airports.

The new highway has cut down the travelling time between the Chinese border county and the nearest city area of Nyingchi prefecture by eight hours. https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/china-builds-key-highway-in-tibet- 101621504363053.html

China plans to hold talks with Israel as well as Russia, EU and UN over conflict in Gaza

• Beijing says it welcomes ‘Palestinian and Israeli representatives coming to China for direct negotiations’ • Foreign ministry accuses US of blocking Security Council from reaching consensus, while also claiming China will not be deterred from promoting peace

China said it planned to hold talks with Israel and other powers to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict after it had expressed “firm support” for Palestine’s statehood in a telephone call with Palestinian officials this week.Beijing has sought to play a more active part in the crisis and has used its role as the rotating chair of the United Nations Security Council this month to cement its position as an arbiter in the

Middle East peace process.In separate phone calls with Palestinian and Egyptian officials over the past

st cause of the Palestinian people in two days, China’s special envoy on the Middle East, Zhai Jun, has called for peace talks between Palestine and Israel to resume and reiterated China’s “firm support for the ju resuminghttps://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3134238/china-plans-hold-talks-israel-we their national sovereign rights”, according to a statement by the foreign ministry on Thursll- day. russia-eu-and-un-over

Sri Lanka: Covid increases China influence in India's backyard

By Suranjana Tewari BBC News

Published8 hours agoShareRelated Topics image captionChina is ramping up its relief efforts in South Asia, which experts say could strengthen its influence there South Asia, a region with a combined population of nearly two billion people, is facing its worst health crisis in recent memory. India and its neighbours are seeing a ferocious spike in coronavirus infections, leaving smaller countries like Sri Lanka particularly vulnerable.

However, China is ramping up its relief efforts in these countries, which experts say could strengthen its influence there. On Friday, the streets of towns and cities across Sri Lanka will fall silent once again - people there will only be able to venture out of their homes for essentials until 25 May. Like its neighbours, Sri Lanka largely coasted through a milder first wave last year, but has been seeing a recent surge in Covid cases which is threatening to overrun its healthcare system.

It is now reporting around 3,000 cases a day which is a more than 1,000% rise from a month ago.

And despite having a largely free, widely accessible public health system that is regarded as the best in the region, hospitals in the island nation of 21 million people are struggling to cope.

"We have limited capacity to control a surge. We are good, the healthcare system is great as long as there is not a surge in the pandemic, as long as the system is not challenged as much," public health expert Shashika Bandara told the BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-57167091

U.S. senator's China threat rhetoric completely unfounded

Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 16:06:46|Editor: huaxia

WASHINGTON, May 20 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Senator Mitt Romney's opinion essay "We ignore China's rise at our own peril" is a marker of "exaggerated and dangerous fearmongering," the Washington Post said in an opinion essay.

"That China represents an existential threat -- a threat to the literal existence of the United States -- is completely unfounded," the article said.

Romney's rhetoric is disturbing especially at a time of prevalent anti-Asian sentiment in the United States. His false comparison of China to an "infection" and China replacing America claims could imperil the safety of and foreign nationals, the essay said.

The United States should hold dialogue with China to prevent conflict and promote cooperation on shared interests, and pursue a pragmatic strategy that does not seek to stifle China's growth. Enditem http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021-05/20/c_139958448.htm

Hong Kong court denies jury trial to first person charged under national security law

Reuters

3 minute read

The first person charged under the national security law in Hong Kong will face a trial without jury, the city's High Court ruled on Thursday, in a landmark decision which marks a departure from the global financial hub's common law traditions.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/hong-kong-court-denies-jury-trial-first-person-charged- under-national-security-2021-05-20/

Coronavirus: Asia should fill leadership vacuum in post- pandemic world, Malaysia’s Muhyiddin says

• The region should take the lead in drawing new strategies from trade to health as ‘there can be no recovery without an Asian recovery’, Muhyiddin said • He was speaking at the Nikkei Future of Asia conference, which also saw discussions of the US-China rivalry, geopolitical security and Covid-19 vaccines

With Covid-19 throwing a spotlight on the deep flaws in global governance in areas from trade to public health and patent protection, Asian countries should take the lead in rebuilding new mechanisms for the post-pandemic era, regional leaders told an annual conference on Thursday.

Muhyiddin Yassin was among the speakers at the Nikkei Future of Asia conference who urged regional counterparts to reimagine and then take action to build a new globalMalaysia’s order Prime that Ministerwould cast aside increasingly pervasive nationalism and isolationism.

The Malaysian leader said the vacuum in global leadership offered an opportunity for Asian nations

https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3134220/asia-should-fill-leadership-vacuugiven that “there can be no recovery without an Asian recovery”. m-post- pandemic-recovery

'Old' Quad strategy risks provoking China: Malaysia's Mahathir Veteran leader also urges Beijing to tread carefully regarding Taiwan

Malaysia's former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad speaks to Nikkei Asia during an online interview on May 20.

P PREM KUMAR, Nikkei staff writerMay 20, 2021 20:51 JST

KUALA LUMPUR -- The countries in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad, should be careful not to enrage China lest they trigger a heavy global economic backlash, Malaysia's former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad warned in an exclusive interview on Thursday.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/The-Future-of-Asia/The-Future-of-Asia-2021/Old-Quad-strategy-risks- provoking-China-Malaysia-s-Mahathir

Tibetans have a new political leader. Here’s what to expect

• Penpa Tsering says he wants a ‘lasting solution’ for Tibet’s status and to restart stalled talks on a visit by the Dalai Lama • But his efforts may not be enough for younger Tibetans advocating a more aggressive campaign against Beijing

After a four-month voting process that saw 83,000 Tibetan refugees around the world cast their ballots, 54-year-old Penpa Tsering, a former speaker of the Tibetan parliament-in-exile, was declared the

community’s new political the new leader. head of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) as the parliamentary government based in Dharamshala, Tsering’s election as – India, is known – comes at a time when Tibetans have grown increasingly vocal in their opposition to China, from joining calls from US lawmakers and activists for a boycott of the

Beijing Winter Olympics next year because of alleged human rights violations, to asking New Delhi to boycott goods and services from mainland China.

This has coincided with greater support from Washington for the Tibetan refugee community, who number an estimated 130,000 worldwide, though about half of them live in India. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3134103/tibetans-have-new-political-leader-heres- what-expect

Taiwan president negative for COVID-19 after scare at residence

Yimou LeeBen Blanchard 3 minute read

Soldiers in protective suits disinfect a metro station following a surge of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections in Taipei, Taiwan May 20, 2021. REUTERS/Ann Wang

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has tested negative for COVID-19 after a worker at her residence was confirmed to be infected, her spokesman said on Thursday, as the island reported 286 new domestic cases amid a spike in infections. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taiwan-covid-19-cases-rise-again-not-dramatically-2021- 05-20/

Taiwan's foreign ministry welcomes German party’s removal of ‘one-China’ policy Free Democratic Party votes to remove ‘one-China’ policy from political platform

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By Kelvin Chen, Taiwan News, Staff Writer

2021/05/20 13:55

Free Democratic Party leader Christian Lindner (Facebook, Christian Lindner photo)

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) welcomed the decision by ’s Free Democratic Party (FDP) to eliminate the “one-China” policy from its campaign platform.

MOFA Spokesperson Joanne Ou (歐江安) noted that the FDP had voted to remove all language pertaining to the “one-China” policy ahead of Germany's September general elections. The move is a friendly and groundbreaking gesture, Ou said, adding that the ministry is glad to see the party adopt a Taiwan-friendly platform, Radio Taiwan International reported.

She pointed out that the FDP attaches great importance to Taiwan and had specifically included a paragraph on the Taiwan issue in the proposal to update the platform. The removal of the "one-China” policy affirms Taiwan’s democracy and supports the Taiwanese people's freedom to choose their own political future, she said.

Taiwanese envoy to Germany Hsieh Chih-wei (謝志偉) told CNA he was grateful to see such a pro-Taiwan action. He also said that the “one-China” policy, which is often invoked by international organizations to exclude Taiwan, has long been outdated.

The Free Democratic Party is a major German political party that was founded in 1948. https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4207038

Biden, saying 'silence is complicity,' signs COVID hate crimes bill into law

Jarrett Renshaw 3 minute read This video will resume in 0 seconds

President Joe Biden on Thursday signed into law the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act that overwhelmingly passed Congress in a rare show of bipartisanship following a spate of high-profile attacks on Asian Americans in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden-saying-silence-is-complicity-signs-covid-hate-crimes-bill-into- law-2021-05-20/

Vaccine diplomacy strengthens China’s stature in Latin America, US congressional panel hears

• ‘The Chinese have made every delivery to an airport tarmac a photo op,’ one expert tells the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission • Vaccine delivery, which has built on other outreach by Beijing including the Belt and Road Initiative, is said to weaken US influence in the region

-grown coronavirus vaccines in Latin America has helped Beijing gain a stronger foothold in the region and weaken US influence there, a congressional advisory panel wasChina’s told distribution on Thursday. of its home

The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC), which monitors the national security its highly successful vaccines to countries in the western hemisphere and at the same time, to step up implications of Washington’s relationship with China, was warned that the US needed to start sending – other diplomacy and development efforts to win back the hearts and minds of America’s neighbours. American re “The Chinese have made every delivery to an airport tarmac a photo op,” said R. Evan Ellis, a Latin search professor at the US Army War College Strategic Studies Institute, told the panel. “The https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3134273/vaccine-diplomacy-strengthens-chinapresident comes out and the boxes roll off with Chinese flags on them.” s- stature-latin-america-us

Biden to push South Korea to take tough line on China at summit

Moon wary of language that would anger Beijing as he meets Biden in Washington

A protester against US policy on North Korea near the American embassy in Seoul. South Korean wants Washington to ease sanctions on North Korea. © AP

May 21, 2021 00:32 JST

WASHINGTON/SEOUL (Financial Times) -- The U.S. is trying to convince Moon Jae-in to agree to a strong statement of concern about China when the South Korean president becomes the second world leader to meet Joe Biden in Washington on Friday.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Biden-to-push-South-Korea-to-take-tough-line- on-China-at-summit

The Biden-Moon Summit: Rejuvenating and Modernizing the Alliance May 19, 2021

South Korean president Moon Jae-in is set to visit Washington this week for a summit with U.S. president Joe Biden on May 21. These critical questions preview what the two leaders are likely to discuss as well as the pressing issues in the U.S.-South Korea relationship.

Q1: What is the setting for this summit?

A1: This is the 10th meeting between President Moon and a U.S. president, and the first with President Biden. President Moon is the second foreign head of state to visit the Biden White House, following Japanese prime minister Yoshihide Suga, a reflection of the priority placed by the Biden administration on rejuvenating U.S. alliances in Asia. The administration did well to clear the underbrush in the alliance of nettlesome issues so that the two leaders could start afresh. Prominent among these was the conclusion of the 11th Special Measures Agreement signed in April, which commits the two allies to a cost-sharing plan for U.S. Forces Korea and requires no renegotiation for six years. This issue remained unresolved for the duration of the Donald Trump presidency and was the source of both distraction and bad blood between the two sides. The two leaders will likely reaffirm the strength of the alliance and undertake measures to enhance defense and extended deterrence, including possible improvements to South Korea’s strike capabilities. Q2: What about policy toward North Korea?

A2: The Biden administration at the end of April completed its long- awaited policy review that included significant consultations with South Korea. Ahead of the summit, administration officials state that they are comfortable with the degree of alignment between Seoul and Washington, deflecting views that the engagement-oriented Moon and more cautious Biden are far apart on how to approach North Korea. While details of the review have not been made public, the administration has made clear: (1) the goal remains denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula (North Korea); (2) the likelihood of a “grand bargain” is small; and (3) there is a commitment to diplomacy (i.e., not strategic patience) with a desire to negotiate incremental steps that make meaningful progress toward reducing the threat. The fact that Seoul has not raised expectations in advance of the summit of some breathtaking proposals suggests a collective realization that Pyongyang is not cycling into a dialogue mode just yet. Indeed, North Korea might await the results of the summit before engaging in typical provocations, such as missile tests, to raise the price for their return to the negotiating table. https://www.csis.org/analysis/biden-moon-summit-rejuvenating-and-modernizing-alliance

Moon visits US military cemetery in show of commitment to stronger alliance Posted : 2021-05-20 23:31 Updated : 2021-05-20 23:45

South Korean President Moon Jae-in visited Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday, kicking off his official schedule in the United States.

Moon laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the cemetery in northern Virginia, just south of the U.S. capital. The monument is dedicated to fallen American service members whose remains have not been identified, including many killed in the 1950-53 Korean War.

The president paid his respects to all soldiers who dedicated themselves to the protection of freedom and peace in foreign countries, according to Cheong Wa Dae.

He then donated a plaque, reading "In Memory of the Unknown Soldiers and their Noble Sacrifices," to the Memorial Display Room, it said. https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2021/05/120_309155.html

U.S. plays down prospect of North Korea initiative at Moon summit

David BrunnstromJarrett Renshaw

4 minute read

1/4 South Korean President Moon Jae-in speaks at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, October 28, 2020. Jeon Heon-Kyun/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

South Korean President Moon Jae-in has been hoping to use his first summit with U.S. President Joe Biden this week to press a legacy policy of engaging North Korea, but Washington has played down the prospect of any quick impetus on the issue. https://www.reuters.com/world/china/us-minimizes-prospect-new-north-korea-initiative-moon- summit-2021-05-20/

Japan opposes 'unilateral attempts' to change status quo in SCS

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora May 20, 2021, 1:56 pm

Japan Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide (Anadolu photo)

MANILA – The Japanese government expressed its opposition to unilateral attempts that undermine peace and stability in the South China Sea during a summit teleconference with President Rodrigo Duterte Wednesday.

In a readout, the Japanese Embassy in Manila said Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide also shared "grave concerns" about recent developments in China, particularly the passage of a Chinese law that permits its coast guard to fire on foreign vessels it deemed infringing on its sovereignty or jurisdiction.

"Japanese Prime Minister Suga expressed his opposition to the continued and strengthened unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, and shared grave concerns about recent developments in China, including the Coast Guard Law," the embassy said.

"The two leaders concurred to work together closely toward the maintenance of peace and stability in the region under the rule of law such as the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea)," it added.

Japan is among the first countries to share concern over the swarming of Chinese vessels at the Julian Felipe Reef, located within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, last March 2021.

Issues surrounding the contested South China Sea are "directly related to peace and stability and a concern for all", it said. It also emphasized its "strong" opposition to any action that heightens tensions in the region.

In light of the 65th anniversary of the normalization of the Japan-Philippines diplomatic relations and a decade-old Strategic Partnership, Duterte and Suga also agreed to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, including the Asean Outlook for the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).

The two leaders shared the intention to strengthen cooperation in the and Celebes Seas and surrounding areas, the embassy said. (PNA) https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140892 Fewer independents vie for Vietnam's Communist Party-dominated assembly

People stand around a place that will be a polling station for the upcoming elections, on a street in Hanoi, Vietnam, May 19, 2021. (Photo: REUTERS/Thanh Hue)

21 May 2021 08:39AM HANOI: Fewer independent candidates than before are standing in an election in Vietnam on Sunday (May 23) to a legislature that is dominated by the Communist Party but which has taken on a growing role in discussing social issues. Despite increasing openness to social change and a plethora of free trade deals, the party - one of the last ruling communist parties in the world - retains tight control over Vietnam and its media, and tolerates little dissent.

About 92 per cent of candidates standing for the 500-seat National Assembly are party members.

Of the 868 candidates, 74 are independents, down from the 97 in the previous elections in 2016, while local media say the number of assembly deputies who were not party members halved over the last three elections. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/vietnam-election-communist-party-legislature- independents-14854468

Samoa to scrap China-backed port project under new leader

Jonathan Barrett 4 minute read

A container ship unloads at the Matautu port, which has been expanded through support from Japan, in the Samoan capital of Apia, July 12, 2019. Picture taken July 12, 2019. REUTERS/Jonathan Barrett/File Photo

Samoa's expected new prime minister has pledged to cancel a $100 million Chinese-backed port development, calling it excessive for the small Pacific island that is already heavily indebted to China. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/samoa-shelve-china-backed-port-project-under-new- leader-2021-05-20/

Kiribati’s China-backed airstrip upgrade fuels political divisions in Pacific nation

• The Pacific Island’s government and Beijing say the proposed revamp of the airstrip is to upgrade transport links • But opposition figures are questioning the purpose of the project, which will draw attention from the US and Australia

A China-backed plan to upgrade an airstrip on Kiribati is fuelling political divisions in the tiny Pacific Island nation, with opposition figures questioning

Beijing’s intentions and the project’s purpose.

- exclusive economic zones. Kiribati’s 33 islands are scattered across resource rich waters that make up one of the world’s largest The proposed revamp of the airstrip, which was used by American bombers during World War II, comes -located

Pacificamid heightened Island nations, scrutiny which of Beijing’s are entangled outreach in effortsa growing to strategically competition for influence between

China and the US and its Pacific allies. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3134157/kiribatis-china-backed-airstrip-upgrade- fuels-political

EXCLUSIVE G7 playing a 'dangerous game' by pushing Moscow towards China - Russian envoy

Guy Faulconbridge 4 minute read 00:00 00:00

The Group of Seven is playing a "dangerous game" by making aggressive and baseless criticism of the Kremlin because it pushes Russia closer to China, Russia's ambassador to London Andrei Kelin told Reuters on Thursday. https://www.reuters.com/world/china/g7-playing-dangerous-game-by-scolding-moscow-russian-envoy- says-2021-05-20/

Russia 'ready' to provide COVID-19 vaccines to Japan, ambassador says

• SHARE • May 20, 2021 Russian Ambassador to Japan Mikhail Galuzin on Thursday reiterated his country’s readiness to begin exports to and production in Japan of the Russian-made Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine.

Galuzin said earlier this year Russia had proposed the vaccine supply to Japan and was awaiting a response from the Japanese government.

His remarks come at a time when Japan, where Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine is the only one approved for use and those of Moderna Inc. and AstraZeneca PLC are set to be approved Friday, is struggling to speed up vaccination of health care workers and the elderly before starting a rollout to the wider population.

“We are ready for cooperation with Japan with regard to the Sputnik vaccine,” Galuzin told reporters at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan in Tokyo. The ambassador said the Russian vaccine has already been approved for use in about 65 countries and several of them including India are locally producing it.

As for the long-running territorial issue between the two countries, Galuzin said there is no change in Russia’s position of prioritizing economic cooperation in such fields as tourism and fisheries.

Japan and Russia have yet to conclude a post-World War II peace treaty due to their spat over the Moscow-held, Tokyo-claimed islands off Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido, known as the Northern Territories in Japan and Southern Kurils in Russia. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/05/20/national/science-health/russia-covid-19-vaccines- japan/

Bipartisanship Lives! The Amazing Convergence on

China Policy BY ROBERT KUTTNER

MAY 14, 2021

Chinese staffers adjust the U.S. and Chinese flags before the opening session of trade negotiations between U.S. and Chinese trade representatives at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, February 2019.

In today’s poisoned partisan atmosphere, where Republicans are laying systematic plans to steal the 2022 election and using the filibuster to block much of the Biden program, one remarkable island of bipartisanship stands out—China policy.

Next week, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is likely to bring to the Senate floor a stunningly tough China bill, with wide Republican support. The bill is expected to pass overwhelmingly.

The bill combines strategic industrial and technology policy with restraints on China’s abuse of the trading system and of human rights. It reverses the globalist consensus of recent Democratic administrations.

The heart of the bill is Schumer’s own Endless Frontier Act, which was reported out of the Commerce Committee on May 11, by a bipartisan vote of 24-4. Schumer’s lead co-sponsor is the committee’s ranking Republican, Todd Young of Indiana.

More from Robert Kuttner

The bill creates a comprehensive industrial and technology policy, targeting ten key technologies for public development, including artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced semiconductors, biotech, cybersecurity, and advanced energy. It creates ten regional technology hubs as well as a “Supply Chain Resiliency and Crisis Response Program,” and contains measures to crack down on China’s predatory trade practices.

Other bills are likely to be folded into this one. The Strategic Competition Act, co-sponsored by Foreign Relations Committee Chair Bob Menendez and ranking Republican Jim Risch of Idaho, toughens policies to block Chinese theft of intellectual property and counter state subsidies of industry, as well as stronger enforcement of export controls, sanctions for human rights violations, and much more.

Still another measure proposed by Ohio Democrat Sherrod Brown and Republican Rob Portman would add new teeth to trade law. And Florida’s Marco Rubio wants to toughen a Trump executive order that bars U.S. stock exchanges from listing Chinese companies that are deemed threats to U.S. national security, and prohibits U.S. individuals from investing in them as well. Rubio’s American Financial Markets Integrity and Security Act would lock these and stronger prohibitions into law.

All this is a stunning harmonic convergence. It reflects Republican hawkishness on China as a security menace coupled with the GOP’s desire to actually deliver to workers some of what Trump merely proffered at the level of rhetoric. More remarkably, it is a complete reversal of the Clinton-Obama-Rubin-Summers embrace of China’s Wall Street alliance, and Wall Street Democrats’ disdain for industrial policy.

In this case, Republicans don’t mind letting Democrats lead, if they can share the credit. While the White House would have preferred to define its own China policy, Schumer’s leadership has such momentum that Biden’s people have settled for fine-tuning the details rather than trying to derail it.

There is constructive overlap between this legislation and Biden’s own program. And just maybe, the bipartisanship on China can even spill over into other Republican support that Biden urgently needs. https://prospect.org/blogs/tap/bipartisanship-lives-amazing-convergence-on-china-policy/

How to leverage the Quad to counter China’s Digital Sinosphere

President Joe Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, participates in a virtual Quad Summit with the leaders of India, Japan, and Australia on Friday, March 12, 2021, in the State Dining Room of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz via Sipa USA and Reuters.) China’s growing ambition to recode the rules of cyberspace should serve as a wake-up call for the Indo-Pacific’s leading digital democracies: Cooperate on technology or risk ceding ground to Beijing and its expanding digital sphere of influence.

At the historic Quad summit held in March, leaders of the United States, Japan, India, and Australia took important steps to bolster tech cooperation. Foremost among these efforts was the creation of a new Quad working group on critical and emerging technologies, which will drive coordination on standards, encourage diversification of equipment suppliers and future telecommunications technology (particularly 5G), and convene regular dialogues on critical-technology supply chains. Although China was not specifically referenced in this context, the cause célèbre is quite clear: anxiety about China’s growing digital adventurism.

While the unity on display at the Quad summit was an impressive show of strength, it was also an incomplete picture that masked growing friction among members on several elemental technology issues such as cross-border data flows, data privacy, payments, digital taxation, competition, e-commerce, and law enforcement.

For its part, India has pointedly rejected Japan’s “data free flow with trust” formulation for cross-border data transfers and championed expansive data-localization restrictions through its forthcoming data-privacy legislation. The United States has frequently clashed with India on digital-trade and online-freedom issues and has taken steps to levy tariffs on New Delhi in response to the Modi government’s digital taxes. More recently, Australia has engaged in a high-stakes showdown with US social-media companies over its “pay-for-news” law, which resulted in Facebook temporarily pulling all news content from its platform in Australia.

For the national-security community, it may be tempting to sideline these digital-trade battles as commercial irritants that distract from cooperation on strategic-technology issues. Yet this would be a mistake. If the Quad is to reach its full potential in technology cooperation, its members must find ways to tap into the full power of the private sector.

To see why, consider how strategic-technology innovation takes place in the modern era. Efforts to develop strategic-technology capabilities today are less Manhattan Project than Menlo Park; private-sector firms big and small, rather than governments, push the boundaries of innovation and develop technologies with commercial applications and a strategic valence. Innovations in dual-use technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced robotics are important examples; they emerge from commercial imperatives, but they produce national-security applications that deliver strategic benefits.

Pure market dynamics can also create and amplify strategic risks to Quad members. The concerns over TikTok’s global growth are a case in point. While the app’s privacy approach allows invasive collection of data at the individual level, its global popularity magnifies the scale and impact of those risks and gives them salience as a national- security threat. If Quad policymakers accept that TikTok or other Chinese firms pose strategic risk, then the need to check their growth and market share should follow logically.

Over the past four years, members of the Quad have understood this imperative and sought to curb the growth of Chinese firms using policy instruments. New Delhi has bannedTikTok and nearly 270 other Chinese apps. The United States, Australia, Japan, and India have all either formally banned Huawei or excluded the company from participating in 5G trials. Restrictions on inbound Chinese foreign direct investment and outbound investmentin Chinese firms are also starting to take root among Quad members, especially India and the United States.

Though bans and investment restrictions are powerful, they are limited in scope. Countering a “Digital Sinosphere” on a global basis will require getting the world’s netizens to choose non-Chinese platforms at scale. https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/how-to-leverage-the-quad-to-counter-chinas- digital-sinosphere/

Economic Growth in a Digital Economy: The Role of Intellectual Property and Innovation May 19, 2021

Setting appropriate policies for economic growth tops the agendas of most national leaders. From the European Union’s Digital Single Market to China’s most recent five-year plan, and various other such broad outlines, governments across the world are trying to enact public policy that spurs economic growth. But what is the role of innovation and of intellectual property (IP) in driving economic growth?

Economists have long articulated the critical role of technological innovation in driving economic growth. Robert Solow’s neoclassical economic growth model clearly displayed that the primary driver of long-run economic growth is not the accumulation of labor or capital (although they play a role), but technological progress. While other inputs can only scale linearly, technological progress enables a multipliers effect on productivity of labor and capital. Most recently, Paul Romer was awarded a Nobel Prize in economics for articulating the mechanisms that enable innovation to drive economic growth. Most governments’ plans reflect the focus on innovation leading to technological leadership—not only for economic growth, but also for concerns related to national security and tech sovereignty.

What is less understood is the role of IP in driving innovation. From the early work of Kenneth Arrow to Romer’s recent writings on the drivers of innovation, the question of whether IP enables or hinders innovation has at best been unanswered, and at worst been ignored. In today’s knowledge economy, one led by the digital platform giants, this question is of critical importance and has immediate and actionable consequences for policymakers. A few decades ago, 80 percent of the market value of S&P 500 firms was explained by their labor and capital assets. Today that has reversed, and 80 percent of their market value is explained by intangible assets.

These intangible assets come in various forms: accumulation of skills and ideas, patents, copyrights, trade secrets, novel business models, etc. Whatever they are, both individuals and firms are incentivized to innovate if there is a return on their investment. If their ideas and inventions are not monetized and protected by institutions such as IP—designed to make those ideas a public good after a finite timeframe—innovation will only come in the form of proprietary ideas, that is, those that can be protected by other mechanisms, such as vertical integration and conglomerates who develop ideas and design products. Innovation will only become accessible to large organizations that have the means to protect their intellectual assets through mechanisms other than through the IP regime. For this reason, economic historians have identified IP as the key instrument for the “democratization of invention” in the United States, making economically feasible inventing activity available to all. At the Center for Strategic and International Studies, we are embarking on projects that empirically explore the mechanisms by which IP drives innovation, and what kind of innovation takes place (and by whom) when IP is no longer available as a reliable institution.

Understanding the importance of IP in driving innovation has geopolitical implications. If the United States adopts policies that only enable large, vertically integrated firms to innovate, any country with centralized policies and state-subsidized conglomerates gains a huge advantage over a market-driven economy. China’s state-backed policies and enterprises understand this. Plans such as China Standards 2035 ensure large, vertically integrated firms drive the innovation agenda for future critical technologies. The United States has an advantage it should not risk losing, by ensuring a market-driven approach to innovation remains through access to protection of all intangible assets, including IP. A regime where the future innovation agenda is driven by preferences of a state or large conglomerate creates a non-democratized, riskier, and poorer world. https://www.csis.org/analysis/economic-growth-digital-economy-role-intellectual-property-and- innovation

DUTERTE REJECTS U.S. ASSISTANCE DURING WHITSUN REEF STAND-OFF

BY RENATO CRUZ DE CASTRO | MAY 19, 2021 AMTI UPDATE On March 20, Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana officially informed the Philippine nation about the presence of around 220 Chinese fishing vessels moored in line at Whitsun Reef (called Julian Felipe Reef in the Philippines). The reef is a wide boomerang-shaped shallow coral reef at the northeast end of Union Banks, located approximately 175 nautical miles west of Bataraza, Palawan. According to Lorenzana, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) sighted and reported the presence of these vessels, allegedly manned by the Chinese maritime militia, as early as March 7. The PCG reported its sighting to an interagency body, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS).

Satellite imagery published by Simularity, a United States-based imagery analysis company, shows that this large grouping of Chinese fishing vessels had been at the reef since December 2020, though others, including Radio Free Asia and AMTI had documented the presence of Chinese vessels at Whitsun as early as February 2020. Based on these satellite images, the vessels are not doing any fishing, nor have they moved significantly over time—they have just remained anchored and tied together at the reef. It was noted that although the number of ships in the reef varied on a day-to- day basis from December through March, the average number of ships remained the same. The ships’ behavior displays China’s application of a strategy whereby it effectively lays claim to submerged land features through swarming the disputed waters with a huge flotilla of vessels that defy other countries’ diplomatic or law enforcement efforts to expel them.

After announcing the Chinese flotilla’s presence, Secretary Lorenzana issued a statement saying that the Philippines was ready to defend its national sovereignty and protect the country’s marine resources.” The following day, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin filed a diplomatic protest with the Chinese Embassy in Manila. The immediate and animated reaction of the Department of National Defense (DND) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to the presence of Chinese maritime militia in Whitsun Reef reflects the Philippine government’s recognition of an ongoing Chinese gray zone operation. This was what transpired during the three-month Scarborough Shoal stand-off between Philippine and Chinese civilian vessels in 2012. Duterte Rejects the United States’ Offer of Assistance

On April 9, Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Secretary Locsin to express Washington’s concern over the massing of Chinese maritime militia vessels in the South China Sea, and more importantly, to reaffirm the applicability of the 1951 U.S.-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) in the South China Sea. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called Secretary Lorenza to express U.S. support to its ally and informed his Philippine counterpart that the USS Theodore Roosevelt and its escorts were operating in the South China Sea. https://amti.csis.org/duterte-rejects-u-s-assistance-during-whitsun-reef-stand-off/

PH procurement of 6 naval vessels from Aussie firm still 'under negotiations' — Australian envoy

Published May 20, 2021, 1:22 PM by Roy Mabasa Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven Robinson AO on Thursday confirmed that negotiations are still ongoing between the Department of National Defense and Austal, a world-renown Australian defense contractor and shipbuilder, for the procurement of AUS$600 million worth of six naval offshore patrol vessels (OPVs).

Robinson said the ongoing discussion is strongly supported by the Australian government and is part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization plan.

“We are having an ongoing discussion with the Department of National Defense as part of their modernization program and we would like to contribute to that in a meaningful way,” the Australian diplomat said in an interview over CNN Philippines Thursday, May 20.

A ranking official earlier confirmed that the procurement of the OPV from Austal has been already approved as part of the AFP’s Horizon 2, or the second tier of the military’s modernization plan subject to the availability of funds.

Under the Horizon 2 tier, the AFP is acquiring fast-attack interdictor craft missile (FAIC- M), landing docks, air search radars, and other external defense equipment. The OPVs are expected to replace the World War II ships that were earlier retired by the PN.

It was earlier reported that Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana considers the Australian shipbuilder, which has a shipyard in Balamban Cebu, “at the forefront of the Navy’s OPV procurement program”.

During the television interview, Ambassador Robinson reaffirmed Australia’s strong support to the Philippines through their existing Memorandum of Understanding on defense cooperation and the Status of Forces Agreement (SoFA).

Aside from the possible supply of naval offshore vessels, Robinson said Austal is also negotiating with Korean giant shipbuilder Hanjin for the operation of the Subic shipyard.

The Australian top diplomat in Manila said the Hanjin facility is a world-class facility which would be an “enormous boon” to any company that would be seeking to expand its business in the Philippines. https://mb.com.ph/2021/05/20/ph-procurement-of-6-naval-vessels-from-aussie-firm-still-under- negotiations-australian-envoy/

Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore canceled due to COVID-19

• A Gurkha police officer stands guard outside the venue of the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore in May 2019. | REUTERS

• KYOD • SHARE • May 20, 2021 SINGAPORE A major security forum scheduled to be held next month in Singapore has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, its organizer said Thursday. Prime Minister– Yoshihide Suga had been expected to participate in the June 4-5 gathering, known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, sponsored annually by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, a British think tank. It would have been the first attendance by a Japanese leader in seven years.

The forum was expected to be an occasion for Suga to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, a vision sought by Japan and the United States as China increases its maritime assertiveness in the region.

“Unfortunately the global COVID-19 situation has recently deteriorated, in part because of the rise of infectious new COVID variants,” IISS said in a statement.

“In Singapore there has been a rise in local cases, the introduction of new restrictions, and the prospect of further tightening cannot be ruled out, all of which creates uncertainty,” it said. “Taken together these various factors mean that holding an in-person Shangri-La Dialogue this year has become unviable.”

The conference, which has been held in Singapore since 2002, was similarly canceled last year after pandemic forced many countries to restrict travel and shut their borders.

The event has provided a platform for ministers and top military officials for more than 40 countries, including the United States and China, to discuss major security challenges in the region.

The last time a Japanese prime minister attended the event was in 2014 when Shinzo Abe, Suga’s predecessor, was in the post.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/05/20/national/singapore-shangri-la-dialogue-security- forum-canceled-covid-19/ THE U.S. MILITARY IN COMPETITION: SUPPORTING EFFORT ONE

MAY 20, 2021 GUEST AUTHOR 1 COMMENT By Ryan Ratcliffe“Ultimate excellence lies…in defeating the enemy without ever fighting.” —Sun Tzu

is proclaimed President Joe Biden in his first address to the Department of State. is back at the center of our foreign he continued,“America declaringback,” that the United States would repair its alliances and reengage the world to“Diplomacy confront global challenges. Speaking to the departmentpolicy,” that had recently published itscomprehensive assessment of relations with Chinaand called for a revival of U.S. foreign policy, the words were likely well received. President’s Designed to serve as a modern-day long telegram The Elements of the China Challengereveals the Chinese Communist aim to revise world order, highlighting many of the malign“ and coercive,” activities designed to achieve its subversive ambitions. The authorsParty’s of this seminal work, the Secretary of PolicyParty’s Planning Staff, conclude by calling for the United States to refashion its foreign policy around the principles of freedom and to reserve the useState’s of military force for when all other measures have failed.

Diplomacy will certainly be fundamental in addressing the China challenge, but returning it to the forefront of U.S. foreign policy will not occur overnight. Decades of systemic decline havereduced U.S. diplomatic capacity and left the military as the more prolific instrument of national power. Therefore, until the Department of State completes the transformation it requires and returns to primacy, the Department of Defense will need to shoulder some of the burden in answering the China challenge. One such element that the Department of Defense should assist with is countering actions in the gray zone. https://cimsec.org/the-u-s-military-in-competition-supporting-effort-one/

Hill Presses For Better Cyber Responses, More Info Sharing

Colonial Pipeline "refused" to share details of ransomware payment with Congress. "Our constituents are on the front lines of these [cyber]attacks, and yet they don't know what their country is doing to respond," Rep. Slotkin said.

By BRAD D. WILLIAMSon May 19, 2021 at 6:13 PM

WASHINGTON: Companies and the federal government do not share information about cyber incidents well enough, and defense contractors need to be held accountable for security blunders, lawmakers said.

Sen. Joe Manchin, chair of the Senate Armed Services cyber subcommittee, questioned Jesse Salazar, deputy assistant secretary of defense for industrial policy, yesterday about holding contractors accountable for cyber incursions — at both primes and their subcontractors. Current DoD regulations provide “a number of acquisition levers” that can be used, Salazar noted, but “usually” the contractor’s program management office is contacted and ordered to “improve.”

Manchin pressed Salazar on whether there are “any fines, penalties, costs for not securing.” Salazar, who is just two months into the position, said yes, but he could not provide any examples. Salazar took the question for the record before Manchin noted, “We [Manchin and his staff] are finding out there’s no action taken against primes for subcontractors’ security lapses.” Sen. Mike Rounds, the top Republican on the cyber subcommittee, weighed in during the hearing, saying there remain significant challenges to sharing information about cyber incidents — both between the private sector and the government, as well as within government.

Rounds questioned Rear Adm. William Chase, deputy principal cyber advisor to the defense secretary and the director of the Protecting Critical Technology Task Force, who said there are some mandatory cyber incident reporting requirements in place for contractors working on DoD-related projects, but they do not apply to companies without DoD contracts. And some information sharing for DoD contractors is only voluntary. https://breakingdefense.com/2021/05/hill-presses-for-better-cyber-responses-more-info-sharing/

Matthew Kypta: America's incoherent global strategy cripples military readiness

Matthew J. Kypta is a political strategist and branding expert based in Washington, DC.

As rising powers like Russia and China develop capabilities to secure their spheres of influence, the United States continues to view the entire world as its responsibility. But our strategy of global engagement is becoming increasingly unsustainable – and nowhere is this more evident than in our weapons development. Right now, the US Army, Air Force, and Navy are scrambling to fix or kill off the failed weapons systems that were based on our goal of being everywhere and doing everything at once.

On land

Earlier this month, the Army announced that it would be retiring all of its M1128 Mobile Gun Systems. This vehicle, based on the Stryker, is supposed to provide firepower above that of typical light armored vehicles. But an Army study has determined that the vehicle and its cannon are obsolete. It’s not the first program of its kind to fail in recent memory: the previous M8 Armored Gun System completed development, but was not adopted. And the Stryker itself is a product of the Interim Armored Vehicle program, intended as a stop-gap. Competing priorities like air mobility, improvised explosive device protection, and the ability to fight in both counter- insurgency campaigns and conventional wars have kept the Army from committing to a light armored vehicle program for more than a decade.

Compare the mess that is American weapons procurement to the way Russia has modernized her armed forces. Following a victorious but poorly executed war with Georgia, Russia began re- building her military to achieve regional objectives. Russia’s closest equivalent to the M1128 is the 2S25 Sprut. It’s more compact, transportable by air, has a bigger cannon, and can fire guided missiles. This makes it ideal for supporting airborne or amphibious troops against a wide range of opponents, such as Russia’s small but well-armed neighbors. And while some of its characteristics may lag behind those of American vehicles, it – like much of Russia’s military equipment – is designed to last.

By air

Last week, the Air Force acknowledged that the start date for full-rate production of the F-35 stealth fighter is still undetermined. It has been fifteen years since the first prototype flew in 2006, and the program is anticipated to cost $22 billion more than originally expected. The aircraft still has nearly 900 design flaws, including some that are potentially fatal: pressure spikes inside the cockpit, sensor and optics glitches, and structural damage at high speeds. From the beginning, the program suffered from requirement creep, and production started while major features were still in testing. But with manufacturing distributed among more than 1500 suppliers, the program is too big to cancel, and Congress wants to fund even more aircraft than the DoD has requested since the program benefits companies in 44 states. The F-35 was supposed to fulfill a broad range of requirements and make the Air Force, Navy, and Marines happy. So far, it has only made Lockheed and other contractors rich.

Now, take a look at how China developed its J-20 stealth fighter. Defense analysts generally agree that the J-20 is optimized for long-range interceptions and surface strikes. While it can still take on other top-of-the-line fighters, its performance seems to fall short of Russia’s Su-57 or America’s F-22. But its long-range capabilities are ideal for a conflict with the United States in the Pacific, where China would need to shoot down American early warning aircraft and strike American ships.

At sea

In February, the Navy announced plans to decommission four of its Littoral Combat Ships, or LCS. The USS Freedom, Fort Worth, Independence, and Coronado were commissioned between 2008 and 2014, meaning that some have been in service for less than a decade. The four ships come in two different designs, which has only increased the program’s complexity. Both were designed using a high-risk approach where technologies for the ships were still being tested as they were being built. Both have encountered problems with the engine and other components. Both have been unable to use various weapon systems intended for them. Is this starting to sound familiar? In the words of Shelby Oakley, a Government Accountability Office official overseeing Navy acquisitions, “there was a lot of over-promising of capability and technology and concepts that didn’t come to fruition.” It’s the same trap that the Air Force and Navy fell into with the F-35 program. https://www.greatpowersjournal.com/us-global-strategy-military-readiness/

GAO Cites Technical Shortcomings In Emerging DHS Biodefense Program

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By Cal Biesecker | 11 hours ago | 05/20/2021

Also In This Issue:

• Senate Votes Down GOP Proposal For Defense Spending Parity Measure • Delays Surface in Planned U.S. Space Force Launches Under NSSL • U.S. Air Force to Issue Contract to Martin Baker for Simulated F-35 Ejection Seats for JSE • DoD Technology Officials Push For Greater Budget Flexibility To Get After Latest Innovations • TSA Plans To Begin Drone Detection Testing In July • NATO Starts Steadfast Defender Exercise With First Deployment of UK Carrier • Senators Probe Acting NNSA Chief About Livermore Pits, Foreign Uranium • GAO Cites Technical Shortcomings In Emerging DHS Biodefense Program

The Department of Homeland Security’s new biological threat detection and warning program faces limitations with the key systems and technologies it hopes to use although Biological Detection for the 21st Century (BD21) program officials are taking actions to… https://www.defensedaily.com/gao-cites-technical-shortcomings-emerging-dhs-biodefense- program/homeland-security/

National Guard troops expect to leave U.S. Capitol next week- officials

Reuters 2 minute read

U.S. Capitol Police and National Guard soldiers operate a checkpoint at the U.S. Capitol, in advance of U.S. President Joe Biden's first speech to a joint session of Congress in Washington, U.S., April 28, 2021. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo

The Pentagon does not expect another request to extend National Guard troops in Washington who are helping to protect the U.S. Capitol, two officials said on Wednesday, with the current mission for the roughly 2,000 personnel expiring on Sunday. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/national-guard-troops-expect-leave-us-capitol-next-week-officials- 2021-05-19/

SOFIC NEWS: Microsoft, SOCOM Highlight Need for Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence

5/20/2021 By Meredith Roaten

Tech giant Microsoft is doing a “significant amount” of research and development work to ensure that its artificial intelligence products are in line with its ethical principles, according to the company's CEO.

Incorporating ethical principles into the corporation’s engineering practices is a priority, said Satya Nadella during prerecorded remarks that aired May 20 at the virtual Special Operations Forces Industry Conference, which is managed by the National Defense Industrial Association.

Nadella said the research into machine learning operations will help the corporation find ways to ensure ethical behavior in every aspect of artificial intelligence, from data provenance to creating unbiased models.

“There is a significant amount of R&D we are doing ... so that people who create AI have the best process practice tools in order to create AI that really conforms to the ethics that we have all defined for ourselves in our institution,” he said.

The company has published principles that include fairness, transparency, accountability, privacy and security, he noted.

Last year, the Defense Department rolled out its own list of five AI ethics principles that will underpin the miltiary's development and employment of the technology. The list was based on recommendations from the Defense Innovation Board and other experts. Military personnel must be responsible and exercise appropriate levels of judgment and care in the development, deployment and use of AI capabilities. The technology should be “equitable” and steps taken to minimize unintended bias. It must be traceable and include transparent and auditable methodologies, data sources, and design procedure and documentation. And systems must be reliable and governable, according to the list.

Nadella said that while Microsoft and the Defense Department both have published ethics principles, the next step is ensuring they are followed. https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2021/5/20/sofic-news-microsoft-investing-in-ai- ethics-rd

A STARCRUISER FOR SPACE FORCE: THINKING THROUGH THE IMMINENT TRANSFORMATION OF SPACEPOWER

JEFF BECKER MAY 19, 2021

COMMENTARY

The U.S. military has launched and operated Earth-orbiting satellites since the Discoverer 1 mission in March 1959. Despite this long-term presence in space, spacepower as a mature military discipline remains in its infancy. However, change is coming faster than many expect. The X-37B spacecraft — the first true military spaceplane — foreshadows the “end of the beginning” for military space as satellites, tiny spaceplanes, and single-use orbital boosters give way to massive fleets of very large, maneuverable, and reusable spacefaring vehicles.

Rapid advances in rocketry led by private space companies mean that the U.S. military may be able to reach orbit cheaply, refuel in orbit at low cost, and use this fuel to maneuver extensively once there. These new rockets will replace the X-37B and ultimately transform how the U.S. military understands spacepower. SpaceX’s new orbital vehicle, Starship, and its booster stage, Superheavy, exemplify these new spacecraft in that they are capable of lifting huge payloads to low Earth orbit and beyond frequently and at extremely low cost. With this vehicle now flying and landing, it is not too early for the U.S. military to think through the far-reaching military implications of the emergence of Starship-class vehicles for its future joint warfighting concepts.

Numerous technical challenges remain. Starship still needs to demonstrate that it can be reused after surviving landing and it has not yet achieved orbit. Superheavy is still under construction and will not fly until summer — and even then, with only three of its planned complement of 37 engines. Core capabilities such as orbital refueling, crucial to advanced maneuver above the atmosphere and central to unlocking commercial and military space,still need to be tested. However, many were skeptical that reusable rockets would ever be commercially viable. Yet such rockets transformed the global space access landscape. SpaceX is quickly working to overcome these remaining technical obstacles as well, recently landing Starship safely and tail first for the first time, and returning it to the pad within days for a possible second launch attempt.

Despite these very real technical hurdles, the U.S. military should start thinking through the implications of what these capabilities — once they come online — will mean for space warfare. Bringing together “impossible” full-flow staged combustion rocket engines, very large vehicles, and, most critically, the ability to refuel vehicles in orbit at or near the cost of propellant will upend the harsh and unforgiving constraints that drive America’s understanding of space operations today. As a result of this pending transformation, the military should alter its assumptions about the cost and difficulty of accessing space, and rethink space warfare in a world in which cheap space access is plentiful and the ability to maneuver in space is abundant. https://warontherocks.com/2021/05/a-starcruiser-for-space-force-thinking-through-the-imminent- transformation-of-spacepower/

House Lawmakers Call For Long-Term Strategy For Sealift After Decades of Neglect

By: Mallory Shelbourne May 19, 2021 7:09 PM

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An undated photo of a Watson-class LMSR. MSC Photo

House lawmakers are calling on U.S. Transportation Command and the U.S. Maritime Administration to create a sealift strategy amid decades of concerns over the capacity of the sealift fleet. projection forces subcommittee and readiness subcommittee on Tuesday, lawmakers crDuringiticized a joint and expressedhearing between concern the over House the lackArmed of aServices cohesive Committee’s strategy to buildseapower up the and sealift fleet.

readiness subcommittee“Throughout this chair hearing, Rep. John it appears Garamendi as though (D- the effort that has been made by MARAD, by progressTRANSCOM, here Navy and andthere, by but the we committee really have has not not been been able successful,” to really HASC put in place a Calif.) said. “We’ve made a little bit of

Garamendicomprehensive pointed strategy to several and then components carry it out. contributing We’ve had to bits a strategy and pieces.” the tanker security program Congress created, recent legislation mandating the U.S. military transport its – - Mission Vessels but said an overarching strategy is necessary. cargo with U.S. planes and ships, and MARAD’s construction of National Security Multi The HASC readiness– chair suggested lawmakers hold a roundtable so Congress and officials from the Defense Department and Transportation Department can produce a cohesive strategy to incorpor appropriations bill. ate into this year’s defense policy legislation and possibly the committees to participate, staff and members“Here’s what of the I am maritime proposing committee, … is that ofwe the have [House] a roundtable. Transportation Invite members [and] Infrastructur of the two e – Mr. Courtney’s committee and my committee – [U.S. Transportation Command commander Gen. Steve] Lyons or whomever you would like toCommittee,” Garamendi said. “That sometime within the next month we sit down, invite provide over both dealing with the immediate meaning now, this year, next year appropriations,send to that meeting, as well as and the that NDAA, we develop and long- for this year’s NDAA a strategy that would – – Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Va.), the ranking memberterm.” of the seapower panel and the vice ranking

member of HASC, echoed Garamendi’s concerns about-term the strategy lack of abouta strategy. how we recapitalize, then it deeply concerns me, especi Now“There I know doesn’t between seem to Chairmanbe one. If there’s [Joe] Courtney not a long and myself, Chairman Garamendi and Mr. [Doug] Lamborn now ally because we’ve been emphasizing this. getting two additional– ships in. And I can tell you by any other measure, in any other place, – this is going on four years and we still haven’t gotten to the point of

Whilethat would Congress be unacceptable. in the Fiscal YearAnd I2021 would policy say it’s bill unacceptable authorized the here,” Navy Wittman to purchase said. two used sealift vesselsand in the FY 2021 appropriations bill allotted $60 million for those ships, the service has yet to get them on contract.

“We don’t have a contract – or it doesn’t look like right now contracts have been let for at Salleast Mercogliano, for the two newan associate sealift ships professor that have of history been authorized at Campbell by University, the NDAA. told So that’s USNI beingNews. held up, or it just hasn’t been done yet. The two of the seven have not been contracted yet,” requirement from Garamendi and Wittman for the development of a sealift strategy. And I think“And thenthat wasthe other the talk thing that I thinkhe had that’s about really putting important this roundtable out of this working is, again, group the together to develop a sound sealift strategy akin to the 30-

During the hearing, Wittman also expressed concernyear Navy over strategy.” the recent decrease to the Ready Reserve Force, which went down to 41 ships from 46. According to Mercogliano, MARAD took SS Cape Mohican (T-AKR-5065), SS Cape May (T-AKR-5063), SS Flickertail State (T- ACS-5), SS Grand Canyon State (T-ACS-3) and SS Petersburg (T-AOT-9101) out of the force. certification, but it seems like to me that that would even heighten the importance of “Why have we had to reduce those number of ships? I understand it’s about Coast Guardpractical impact of this reduced force structure? I mean, if the call goes out tonight, you know this is prettybringing precarious. new ships, or newer ships, into the force,” Wittman said. “And what’s the

” Lyons told Wittman that former Defense Secretary Mark Esper established a team under aluation office to evaluate sealift and that the Pentagon’s Cost Assessment and Program Ev the retirements were a result of the CAPE team’s work. two of them were [Cape May and Cape Mohican] that were required for special missions. A couple were crane ships “A couple of those were retired because it was no longer a utility –

Duringthat were the no hearing, longer Rep.required Elaine based Luria on (D-Va.), [operational] the vice-chair plan analysis,” of HASC, Lyons also voiced said. concern over a lack of a maritime plan.

“I would just say that it feels like we just keep saying that we’re waiting on a plan, and we’re waiting to refine the plan,” Luria said. transportation strategy released under the Trump administration Lucinda Lessley, MARAD’s deputy administrator, said she is examining the maritime to assess whether it’s in Luriasync with asked the a Bidenseries administration’sof questions drawing aims. attention to the current state of the U.S. maritime industry. Lessley confirmed to Luria that there is no mandate that U.S. cargo, besides government cargo, be transported on ships built and flagged by the U.S.

Mercogliano also noted the uncertain state of the maritime industry, pointing out that the Navy must buy the used sealift ships from the international market. not really discussed so much, was the issue about the really decline of the U.S. Merchant Marine“I think andone theof the fact biggest that there things are that not wasn’t sufficient discussed, ships to or draw was upon kind ofor touchedinfrastruc onture there to but ercogliano told USNI News. draw upon,” M buying on the open market foreign“All those market ships becausethey’re talking there are about just buying no U.S. –vessethose sealift ships they’re talking about – are all foreign vessels,” he added. “They have to go on the ls available.” https://news.usni.org/2021/05/19/house-lawmakers-call-for-long-term-strategy-for-sealift-after- decades-of-neglect

Geurts: Navy Needs Large-Scale Innovation to Deter Adversaries

By: Mallory Shelbourne May 20, 2021 1:03 PM

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James F. Geurts, the assistant secretary of the Navy for Research,

Development and Acquisition, speaks to the crowd about acquisition on Aug.

15, 2019 at the Marine Corps Ground Acquisition Award Dinner in Arlington,

Va., in 2019. US Marine Corps Photo

The Navy needs to pursue large-scale innovation and experimentation number-two civilian. across the service to deter U.S. adversaries, according to the department’s James Geurts, who is currently performing the duties of the undersecretary the need for the service to go beyond small-scale experimentation and of the Navy and previously was the service’s acquisition chief,n Wednesday. emphasized testing during the U.S. Naval Institute’s annual meeting o at the individual, at the unit and all the way at the highest and lowest levels in the organization“When an institution embraces [innovating at scale and speed] – of niche little things, little experiments, which are interesting, but they – you can get innovation at scale. Other than that, it’s a bunch factory here, one little new technology don’t scare a competitor. No. A cute little demo here, one little software – that doesn’t get a competitor to change theiretitor thinking,” starts to Geurtsget really said. concerned when they see you adapting

“A comp faster than they are, when you’re challengingconsidered in multiple yet. domains,And then whenthey you’re putting things together that don’t normally go together, when you’re creating effects in ways that they haven’t start chasing you, versus us chasing [the] competitor,” he continued. “That’s speed.my challenge for all of us in the Department of the Navy. Again, we’re moving out in some pieces of that. We’ve got to do it now at scale and I think if we can do that, then we’ll continue to be the dominant navalGeurts force. described If we don’t,a three-pronged we’re fighting approach a losing the game, Navy and could I don’t take like to losing.” innovation.

ree traits I talked about in kind of this structure of constantly thinking about the future, challenge our assumptions, create platforms“I think if wethat think can modifyof the th quickly, and then experiment, experiment, experiment– tion at scale and

– if I go back to all the times I’ve seen innova innovationAs the Assistant In large Secretary organizations, of the Navy that’s for when Research, it’s occurred,” Development he said. and Acquisition from late 2017 to January 2020, Geurts repeatedly emphasized a need for the service to streamline its acquisition processes and get creative in solving various problems. https://news.usni.org/2021/05/20/geurts-navy-needs-large-scale-innovation-to-deter-adversaries

Canal, Headed to California

By:Ghost Sam LaGrone Fleet Ship ‘Nomad’ Transited Panama May 20, 2021 12:03 PM

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An experimental unmanned surface vehicle has transited the Panama Canal on the way to its new home in California, USNI News has learned.

Nomad, a former offshore patrol vessel retrofitted with systems to allow the ship to operate autonomously, passed through the Panama Canal this week, according to ship spotters tracking data from Marine Traffic.com. A Navy official also confirmed the transit.

Web c Nomad en route the Pacific late Tuesday night. ameras at the canal’s Miraflores locks showed A spokesperson for Naval Surface Forces Pacific referred USNI News to the reached on Tuesday. A SCO spokesman acknowledged a request for additionalOffice of the information Secretary of from Defense’s USNI News Strategic but didCapabilities not provide Office comment. when

Based near the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Ala., Nomad was underway extensively in the Gulf Coast and traveled as far away as Norfolk, Va., for its testing program, according to ship spotters.

Nomad, formerly known as Riley Claire, is one of two known ships SCO created for its Ghost Fleet Overlord experimentation program to test the viability of at-sea autonomous ships.

SCO contracted with Gibbs & Cox and L3 ASV Global in 2018 to convert one craft each into unmanned prototypes. The Pentagon used special contracting rules to prevent disclosure of the contractors and the cost of the Overlord program. https://news.usni.org/2021/05/20/ghost-fleet-ship-nomad-transited-panama-canal-headed-to- california SOFIC 2021: USSOCOM touts amphibious MC-130 by Andrew White

The US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is considering the design and development of an amphibious MC-130 aircraft to support operational requirements in the age of ‘Great Power Competition’ (GPC), service officials have disclosed.

Addressing delegates at the virtual Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC) on 19 May, the Program Executive Officer for Fixed Wing, Colonel Ken Kuebler, suggested the MC-130 Amphibious Capability (MAC) concept could allow the aircraft to “land and take off” from land and sea during the same mission.

Kuebler was unable to provide Janes with a projected timeline for the effort. However, USSOCOM’s Fixed Wing Technology Insertion Roadmap, which was illustrated at the event, referred to a 2022–25 timeframe for the MAC.

Lockheed Martin’s MC-130 Commando II aircraft is operated by the US Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) and tasked with “clandestine, or low-visibility, single or multiship, low-level infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of special operations forces”. According to AFSOC documents, the aircraft is ideally suited to operating in “politically sensitive or hostile territories”.

Referring to the historic consideration by the US Department of Defense to design an amphibious C-130 aircraft, Kuebler suggested there was “enough command interest” at USSOCOM to pursue the MAC concept today.

“There is enough of a focus on peer and near-peer as we look at emerging threats. Is it going to be cost effective? That’s why we have several lines of effort early on and there will be plenty of off-ramp [opportunities] along the way to determine if we move forward,” he said. https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/sofic-2021-ussocom-touts-amphibious-mc-130

US Navy notes progress on Constellation frigate, hypersonics by Michael Fabey

The US Navy (USN) is on track to deliver its new Constellation-class FFG 62 guided- missile frigate and surface-ship hypersonic-missile capability by the middle part of this decade, according to Admiral Michael Gilday, chief of naval operations (CNO).

“FFG 62 is in a really good place,” Adm Gilday said on 13 May at the virtual McAleese and Associates FY2022 Defense Programs conference. “We're going to start bending metal at the end of the year on that hull.”

The CNO added, “That workforce understands how critically important the on-time delivery of that ship is.”

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/us-navy-notes-progress-on-constellation-frigate- hypersonics

Navy Issues $554M Contract Modification for Second Navy Frigate

By: Mallory Shelbourne May 20, 2021 6:51 PM

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Rendering of USS Constellation (FFG-62). Fincantieri Image

The Navy on Thursday issued Fincantieri Marinette Marine a $554 million contract to start building the next frigate in the Constellation class, the service announced.

The award is for the future USS Congress (FFG-63), which is the second hull in the Constellation class.

Capt.“The NavyKevin Program Smith, the Office program is pleased manager to award for the the Constellation option for the class, USS said in Congress (FFG 63) to oursecond industry ship partner of the Constellation Fincantieri Marinette Class Frigate Marine,” Program, the USS Congress will provide a highly capable, next-generation a news release. “As the surfaceThe design combatant for the Constellation-classthat our Navy and Nationships is needs.” based on the Italian and French navie -mission frigate.

The frigates wills’ FREMM be equipped multi with systems including the Aegis Baseline 10 combat system, Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar (EASR), which is a variant of its SPY-6 radar, the Navy hasthe Mksaid. 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS), and Raytheon’s combatant“The Constellation force with Class increased Frigate lethality,will be an survivability, important part and of improved the Navy’s capabilityfuture Fleet. to Itsupport represents the National the evolution Defense of theStrategy Navy’s across small the surface full range of conduct distributed maritime operations more effectively and improve the military operations,” the service said in the news-water release. and littoral “It will help

Navy’s ability to fight both in contested blue environments.”https://news.usni.org/2021/05/20/navy-issues-554m-contract-modification-for-second-navy-frigate

U.S. 7th Fleet Denies Chinese Claim American Destroyer Was ‘Expelled’ from South China Sea Island Chain

By: Sam LaGrone May 20, 2021 4:25 AM U.S. Navy officials are denying a guided-missile destroyer conducting a from the Paracel Island Chain on Thursday. freedom of navigation operation in the South China Sea was “expelled” USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG- according to a statement54), from “asserted U.S. 7th navigationalFleet. rights and freedoms in the vicinity of the Paracel Islands, consistent with international law,” Claimed by China, Vietnam and Taiwan, the Paracels have been under Chinese control since the 1970s and been heavily militarized over the last decade. Beijing requires prior permission for warships to operate with 12 nautical miles of the entire chain a claim the U.S. contests regularly through freedom of navigation operations. – Following Curtis Wilbur’s

Japan-based warship fromtransit, the region. the People’s Chinese Liberation warships and Army aircraft Southern trackedTheater theCommand transit. issued a statement that the PLA had “expelled” the

nal law and basic norms of international relations, increases regional security risks, and are prone to “U.S. behavior violates internatio Southern Theater said in a statement. misunderstandings, misjudgments, and accidents at sea,” the PLA’s In a subsequent statement, U.S. 7th Fleet denied the destroyer was forced to leave the region of the island chain

Curtis Wilbur conducted this FONOP“The PLA’s in accordance statement aboutwith international this mission islaw false. and USS then Curtis continued Wilbur on was to not “expelled” from any nation’s territory. USS conduct normal operations in international waters,” read a statement from the Japan-based fleet. misrepresent lawful U.S. maritime operations and asserts its excessive and illegitimate“The PLA’s statement maritime claimsis the latest at the in expense a long string [of] the of SoutheastPRC actions Asian to andneighbors open Indo-Pacific in the South region. China Sea.All nations, The PRC’s large behavior and small, stands should in contrast be secure to inthe their United sovereignty, States’ adherence free from to coercion, international and able law toand pursue our vision economic for a free

growthhttps://news.usni.org/2021/05/20/u-s-7th-fleet-denies-chinese-claim-american-destroyer consistent with accepted international rules and norms.” -was- expelled-from-south-china-sea-island-chain

Content with flat budget, anti-ship missiles the top priority in 2022, USMC Commandant says by Ashley Roque

US Marine Corps (USMC) Commandant General David Berger did not publicly bemoan the prospect of a relatively flat budget over the coming years when he spoke about progress in transforming the force for operations in the Pacific region at an 18 May Brookings Institute event.

“My anticipation was that it was going to be flat [budget] and we were not going to be on a climbing trajectory for the next four or five years,” the four-star general. “I think we are set up okay.”

Over the past year, the USMC has moved ahead with its Force Design 2030 plan that redefines how the service will fight in the future, in part by becoming smaller and more nimble in support of naval expeditionary warfare operations.

“You need a very forward expeditionary, fairly light, fairly mobile force all the time in the right areas,” Gen Berger said, noting that this will allow the service to conduct reconnaissance operations.

”Somebody has to paint a picture of what in the world is going on in front of us and you need a force forward to do that,” he added. “I think satellites and everything else contribute, but there’s great value in being forward.”

Gen Berger said the USMC would act as a “deterrence” to China if based around the Indo-Pacific region.

”Not just deterrence by punishment, or the threat of punishment, but actually deterrence detection, meaning they will have to change their scheme because they believe we can pretty much see what they’re doing all the time,” the commandant added. https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/content-with-flat-budget-anti-ship-missiles-the-top- priority-in-2022-usmc-commandant-says

Biden praises Coast Guard agreement with Taiwan US-Taiwan partnership will help response to shared threats: Biden

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By Matthew Strong, Taiwan News, Staff Writer

2021/05/20 13:51

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — During a speech to the Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut Wednesday (May 19), U.S. President Joe Biden praised the Coast Guard agreement with Taiwan for improving the capability to respond to threats in the region.

In his address to the academy’s 140th commencement exercises, he emphasized the role of the freedom of navigation. The concept is essential in maintaining free trade and international security, but it has come under threat from “the disruptive actions of nations like China and Russia,” he said.

The U.S. was adamant that trade and shipping should remain free from disruption, Biden said, naming the South China Sea as one of the key areas. The Coast Guard agreement with Taiwan would help improve responses “to shared threats in the region and to conduct coordinated humanitarian and environmental missions,” the president said.

He told his audience of Coast Guard graduates that they played “an essential role in our efforts to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific” and to protect lives, preserve the environment, and “safeguard sovereignty throughout the region.” https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4207036

Special Ops Undergoing Historic Transformation, AFSOC Says

"The SOF that we have is not the SOF we will need" for the future, head of Air Force Special Ops Command, Lt. Gen. James Slife, warned today.

By PAUL MCLEARYon May 19, 2021 at 6:08 PM

U.S. Air Force Special Tactics operators from the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron WASHINGTON: Special Operations Forces are going through the kind of generational change that happens about once every two decades, a top general said today, as the force grapples with moving from hunting insurgents to confronting China and Russia.

The head of Air Force Special Ops Command, Lt. Gen. James Slife, warned today at the annual SOFIC conference that “the SOF that we have is not the SOF we will need” for the future, one in which battlefields will be more dynamic, and influenced by machine learning and long-range standoff weapons.

It was a sentiment echoed by SOCOM commander Gen. Richard Clarke on Tuesday: What “we can’t say is: USSOCOM only does counterterrorism, only does crisis response. We have to develop and make sure we really look at what SOF can do in competition and what SOF can do in high-end conflict.” https://breakingdefense.com/2021/05/special-ops-undergoing-historical-transformation-afsoc-says/

Biden cites Coast Guard's role in protecting shipping lanes at academy graduation

ByDon Johnson

May 19 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden told graduates at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Wednesday that they have an important role to play in keeping the world's shipping lanes peaceful and open to trade.

Biden traveled to Connecticut on Wednesday morning, where he gave his first Armed Forces commencement address as commander in chief to the 240 men and women in the academy's graduating class. The ceremony was closed to the public because of COVID-19 rules.

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2021/05/19/connecticut-joe-biden-coast-guard-academy- commencement/6991621425764/

Chinese ships staying too close irk Hawaii fishers and U.S. military

INQUIRER.NET U.S. Bureau / 10:37 AM May 18, 2021

A U.S. Coast Guard officer checks on Chinese fishing vessel in this Nov. 29, 2016 photo. US NAVY

Hawaii’s commercial fishermen and the U.S. naval authorities are growing concerned that China’s government-subsidized ships have been coming too close to the islands in search of seafood.

Local fishers are accusing the Chinese vessels of overfishing and intimidating tactics, according to a Civil Beat report. Eric Kingma, executive director of the Hawaii Longline Association, said sometimes the ships are fishing or on their way to more distant waters, but sometimes they just sit there.

A group of Chinese vessels appeared to hanging around north of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge last week, Kingma told Civil Beat. “It’s an example of them being close to Hawaii and, we believe, getting closer.” https://usa.inquirer.net/71389/chinese-ships-staying-too-close-irk-hawaii-fishers-and-u-s-military

China, US Argue Over Naval Activity in South China Sea

In this Aug. 1, 2019, file photo, a TV screen showing the U.S. Navy fleet sailing in formation near the models of Liaoning aircraft carrier with navy frigates and submarines on display at the military museum in Beijing. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

20 May 2021

The Associated Press | By The Associated Press BEIJING — China on Thursday issued its second protest in as many days over United States naval activity in the region, drawing an unusually sharp response from the U.S. 7th Fleet, which accused Beijing of attempting to assert illegitimate maritime rights at the expense of its neighbors.

A statement from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s Southern Theater Command said the guided missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur “illegally” intruded into its territorial waters surrounding the Paracel island group in the South China Sea on Thursday. It said Chinese forces mobilized to track and monitor the ship and “warned and expelled it.” https://www.military.com/daily-news/2021/05/20/china-us-argue-over-naval-activity-south-china- sea.html

China Keeps Studying One World War II Battle For a Sinister Reason By Lyle J. Goldstein

May 20, 2021

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives. Photo #: 80-G-701870 Official U.S. Navy Photograph work

Here's What You Need to Remember: China likely recognizes that once wars are started with America, even when militarily successful, they may be extremely difficult to end.

Late springtime is a fitting time to contemplate the origins of U.S. maritime supremacy. Over a period of about twenty-four hours in June 1942, U.S. naval aviators turned the whole course of history by putting the Imperial Japanese Navy’s four premier flattops on the bottom. This victory can be attributed in roughly equal parts to strategic acumen, code-breaking genius, dive-bombing technology, precision training, and luck, as well as no small amount of valor and sacrifice.

To take but one example, consider LCDR Lance Edward “Lem” Massey. A native of Syracuse, New York, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1930. He had the extraordinary distinction of leading the very first aerial torpedo attack in U.S. Navy history, as his squadron struck an early blow against the sweeping tide of Japanese victories near the Kwajalein Atoll in February 1942. On that fateful June 4 morning, he boldly led his squadron into the maelstrom of the Midway battle, charging in to attack the Japanese carrier Hiryu. “[Another U.S. pilot] . . . saw the skipper’s plane erupt into a big ball of flame. Massey stood up in his open cockpit, with one foot on the stub wing and the other on the seat, as his TBD [Avenger] dropped toward the water 250 feet below. The skipper did not have the altitude to survive the jump from his flaming wreck.” Of course, those familiar with this battle know well that the torpedo-laden Avengers’ sacrifice was not in vain as they successfully diverted the Japanese carriers’ fighter cover, allowing the U.S. Devastator dive bombers a clear path to wreak their fury against the crown jewels of the Japanese Navy—an act of sweet revenge for the Pearl Harbor attack some six months prior. https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2021/05/20/china_keeps_studying_one_world_war_ii_battl e_for_a_sinister_reason_777962.html

World Intelligence Congress opens in China's Tianjin

Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-20 20:06:36|Editor: huaxia

People view an industrial robot at the World Intelligence Congress in Tianjin, north China, May 20, 2021. The fifth World Intelligence Congress, a major artificial intelligence (AI) event in China, kicked off on Thursday, highlighting frontier AI technologies and applications. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo) TIANJIN, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The fifth World Intelligence Congress, a major artificial intelligence (AI) event in China, kicked off in north China's Tianjin Municipality on Thursday, highlighting frontier AI technologies and applications.

The four-day event, with the theme of "New Era of Intelligence: Empowering New Development, Fostering New Pattern," has attracted the participation of over 240 AI companies and institutions. A series of activities, including forums, exhibitions and competitions featuring smart cities and transportation, smart manufacturing, and IT application and innovation, will be presented during the event.

The development and application of the new generation of AI require cross- border and inter-disciplinary scientific research, which necessitates the participation and cooperation of all countries, said Wan Gang, chairman of the China Association for Science and Technology.

Over the past four years, more than 10,000 scientists, entrepreneurs, educators and financiers from home and abroad have participated in the event to discuss the trends and future of smart technology. Enditem http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021-05/20/c_139958869.htm

Beijing’s space race frenzy burns up resources

Launch failure highlights China's over-reach as multiple missions challenge America's lead in space exploration

By FRANK CHENMAY 20, 2021 Print

The Long March 5B rocket carrying the first module of China's low Earth orbit Space Station is launched on April 29. Photo: AFP/ China Manned Space Agency/Eyepress

Is Beijing’s zeal about space superpower status crimping real progress on multiple fronts in space?

Several programs are going on simultaneously, spanning the lower reaches of space, the Moon and celestial bodies as far as the Red Planet.

To the dismay of President Xi Jinping, unspecified technical breakdowns forced a vital launch to be aborted early on Thursday. Nerves were frayed when lights on the display board in ground control in Beijing flashed red.

The mission was meant to catapult life-support components and supplies from a cosmodrome off Hainan Island to the Low Earth Orbit to rendezvous with the core module of China’s future Tiangong space station, which has been standing by about 400 kilometers above sea level since late April.

State media reported earlier this week that the Long March 7 heavy-lift rocket had been “tanked up” for the unmanned trip. https://asiatimes.com/2021/05/beijings-space-race-frenzy-burns-up-resources/

China says U.S. warship illegally enters its territory in S. China Sea

Reuters 1 minute read

The U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur patrols in the Philippine Sea in this August 15, 2013 file photo. REUTERS/U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Declan Barnes/Handout via Reuters

China said on Thursday an American warship had illegally entered its territorial waters in the South China Sea and was expelled, which the United States denied in the latest salvoes over Beijing's claims in the busy waterway. https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-says-us-warship-illegally-enters-its-territory-s-china-sea- 2021-05-20/

China furious after US warship sails close to disputed Paracels Beijing accuses US of entering its waters around islands also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan without permission.

The USS Curtis Wilbur during 'freedom of navigation' operations in the South China Sea on May 20 [Courtesy of US Navy 7th Fleet] 20 May 2021

China has reacted with fury after the sent a warship through waters in the disputed South China Sea near the Paracel Islands in a mission it said was to “assert” navigational rights and freedoms, but China said was illegal.

The Chinese military’s Southern Theatre Command said on Thursday the USS Curtis Wilbur had entered the waters without permission, and that its ships and planes followed the US vessel. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/20/china-furious-after-us-warship-sails-close-to-disputed- paracels

- intruding territorial waters in South China Sea

ByUPDATE: PLA drives away ‘accident risking’ US warship

Liu Xuanzun

, Guo Yuandan and

Huang Lanlan

Published: May 20, 2021 07:43 PM

Three warships attached to a naval flotilla under the PLA Southern Theater Command, including the amphibious dock landing ship Wuzhishan (Hull 987) and comprehensive supply ship Chaganhu (Hull 967) , steam in formation during a combined arms training exercise. The flotilla under training has traveled more than 8,000 nautical miles in over 30 days, conducting dozes of training items including air and missile defense, anti-terrorism and anti-piracy operation, and joint search and rescue. Photo: China Military Online

Two days after monitoring a provocative US warship transit in the Taiwan Straits, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) forces drove away the same US vessel which intruded Chinese territorial waters in the South China Sea on Thursday. as the US move was deemed an act of navigational hegemony and public opinion manipulation that seriously violated China's sovereignty and safety and risked misjudgment and accidents.

The two recent US warship activities were related and intentionally planned, analysts said, noting that the PLA's consecutive responses also demonstrated that it is fully prepared to fend off any provocations.

Without authorization from the Chinese government, the guided missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur illegally trespassed into China's territorial waters of Xisha on Thursday, and the PLA Southern Theater Command organized maritime and aerial forces to track and monitor it and warned it away, Senior Colonel Tian Junli, spokesperson of the command, said in a statement.

The US military's claim that it was not "expelled from any nation's territory" is a confusing statement that intentionally leads the public to focus on "expelled or not," military experts pointed out.

"USS Curtis Wilbur was not 'expelled' from any nation's territory" that the US 7th Fleet stated, which emphasizes "expel" while ignoring the specific location "on the territory of any country," is an attempt to confuse the public and diverting the focus, experts said. The US military intended to create the impression that Curtis Wilbur was driven away by the PLA's warning in "international waters" instead of "the territorial waters of any country," experts analyzed.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202105/1224046.shtml

US should stop turning Taiwan into 'most dangerous place' (Chinadaily.com.cn) 11:18, May 19, 2021 Chinese military expressed strong opposition on Wednesday morning, as the US guided missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur sailed through Taiwan Straits on Tuesday.

Some Western politicians and media outlets, especially those in the United States, have been speculating whether a military conflict will break out across the Taiwan Straits. For example, in an article published earlier this month, Economist describes Taiwan as "the most dangerous place on earth".

However, it's the US' repeated so-called routine actions that have sent the wrong signals to the island and encouraged the pro-independence forces to seek bolder moves to provoke the mainland. It's the US that is turning Taiwan into the "most dangerous place".

This strategic ambiguity seems growingly hard to sustain for the US. But it should realize that it may no longer be able to deter the mainland from unifying China.

In March, Admiral Phil Davidson, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, told the US Congress that he was worried that the mainland would attack Taiwan in the next six years. Davidson made the remarks to create an imaginary enemy and exaggerate the threat it poses to the US and the region, so he could seek a bigger military budget as well as persuade Taiwan to buy more weapons from the US and interfere in cross-Straits affairs.

Some Western countries and institutions always blame Beijing for any deterioration in cross-Straits relations, and hype up news about the mainland sending warships and planes cross the middle line of the Straits but remain silent on why it did so.

The mainland has made its stance clear that peaceful reunification is a priority so long as the Taiwan authorities acknowledge the one-China principle and do not try to split the island from the motherland. It is an established international practice to take all necessary measures, including using military power, to prevent separatists from splitting a country or undermining its core interests such as sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Cross-Straits ties have deteriorated, against Beijing's wishes, because of the collusion between Taiwan secessionists and foreign anti-China forces, which have stirred up trouble across the Straits in a bid to change the status quo and curb the mainland's rise, making Taiwan "the most dangerous place on earth". The mainland's unprecedented development over the past more than four decades has greatly narrowed its gap with the US in terms of GDP and global influence. On the other hand, Washington, in its desperation to maintain its hegemony worldwide, believes its previous policy toward Beijing — peaceful evolution strategy — has proved a failure and therefore it is now focusing on strategic competition to contain the mainland's rise.

Ever since Donald Trump assumed the US presidency in 2017, Washington has been ramping up efforts to contain the mainland's rise by, among other things, playing the "Taiwan card" more frequently including selling more advanced weapons and sending higher-level officials to the island, and sailing US aircraft carriers very close to the island in a display of military muscles. Such acts pose a serious threat to peace and stability across the Straits and have emboldened the island's separatists to more aggressively seek "Taiwan independence".

The island's ruling Democratic Progressive Party, too, has been pushing its "Taiwan independence" agenda since assuming power in 2016 by refusing to acknowledge the 1992 Consensus that there is only one China, and serving as a US pawn against the mainland in exchange for US support.

There is only one China, so there is no so-called middle line of the Straits. The PLA navy is fully obliged to safeguard the nation's core interests, so it is entitled to send aircrafts near the island, even more frequently.

Beijing is determined to defend the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs. If the US keeps playing the "Taiwan card" and the DPP intensifies its activities to seek "independence", the mainland will take appropriate countermeasures. And if the Taiwan authorities cross the bottom line, Beijing will be forced to take necessary strong actions to prevent the division of the country. http://en.people.cn/n3/2021/0519/c90000-9851633.html

China's deep-water drilling machine sets new world record By Yu Si'nan, Tang Yahui (People's Daily Online) 10:14, May 20, 2021 A Chinese deep-sea drilling rig recently drilled to a depth of 231 meters on a seabed more than 2,000 meters beneath the sea level in the South China Sea, setting a new world record in deep- sea drilling depth.

Photo shows China's Hainiu II deep-water drilling machine on a research vessel. (Photo/Hunan University of Science and Technology)

Before that, the maximum designed drilling depth of deep-sea drilling machines around the world was 200 meters, and the actual depth drilled in pressure coring was 135 meters.

The Chinese drilling rig Hainiu (meaning "manatee") II, developed by Hunan University of Science and Technology (HNUST), signifies that China has theoretically acquired the capability to explore all maritime resources as a front runner in deep-sea drilling.

Pressure core sampling is a unique technique of Hainiu II, which enables the rig to retrieve core samples from the ocean floor while maintaining in-situ pressure. It is considered vital for exploring flammable ice, a methane-laced ice crystal, and some other seafloor minerals.

Flammable ice is in ice form only when it's under seawater pressure. Once withdrawn from the depth it is adapted to, it would volatilize due to decompression. That's why such substances can only be retrieved with pressure core sampling.

The Hainiu II drilling rig has made a series of technological breakthroughs, such as whole- process pressure coring, as well as high-capacity drill rods and fast connection & release, said Wan Buyan, a professor with the HNUST and chief researcher of the Hainiu II project.

All the core technologies were independently developed by Chinese researchers, which have obtained 125 Chinese patents and four international ones, Wan added.

The smart drilling machine can be operated by one person alone on a mother ship. While drilling and sampling, it can also detect rock electrical resistivity and porosity, and take photos in the borehole. China has placed increasing importance on the R&D of marine equipment over the recent years. Deep-sea drilling technologies are important for the manufacturing techniques of other deep- sea equipment, and are able to drive the development of relevant industries.

Over 10 years ago, almost all the equipment on China's research vessels was imported, Wan recalled. Now, however, more than 80 percent of the devices used in Chinese expeditions are domestically produced, and the proportion will continue to grow in the future, he added.

Wan disclosed that the research team of Hainiu II will further improve the performance of the drilling machine to make it more adaptive, better complete operations, and become more intelligent.

The team plans to put the drilling rig into an exploration operation at the Mariana Trench with a depth of over 10,000 meters, where no seabed drilling has ever been performed, Wan said. http://en.people.cn/n3/2021/0520/c90000-9852043.html

China flies 2 fighter-bombers over median line in Taiwan Strait 4 PLA military planes intrude on Taiwan's ADIZ

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By Keoni Everington, Taiwan News, Staff Writer

2021/05/20 19:09

Xi'an JH-7 fighter-bomber. (Wikimedia Commons photo)

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Four Chinese military planes intruded on Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on Thursday (May 20), including two fighter-bombers, which breached the median line, as the nation grappled with a surge in COVID-19 cases.

On Thursday afternoon, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) announced that one Y-8 electronic warfare plane and one Y-8 anti-submarine warfare aircraft penetrated into the southwest corner of Taiwan's ADIZ, while two Xian JH-7 fighter-bombers crossed the Taiwan Strait median line. This marks the first time that China has sent JH-7 fighter-bombers into Taiwan's ADIZ since Feb. 23, the first fighter or bomber to encroach on the zone in the month of May, and the first median line incursion this year.

On May 10, Taiwan reported three local coronavirus cases; however, within one week, the daily local case count exploded to 333. During that period, China alternated sending one to two Y-8 planes to the area, but Thursday broke the pattern with the appearance of the two JH-7s.

As is normally the case, the MND stated that it responded by sending air patrol aircraft, issuing radio warnings, and activating its air defense missile systems. There was no explanation from Beijing as to why it had dispatched fighter-bombers to Taiwan's ADIZ as it deals with a health crisis.

On Sept. 21 of 2020, Beijing suddenly denied the existence of the median line in the Taiwan Strait, despite the fact that there has been a tacit agreement in place not to cross the line since 1955. In the fall of that year, People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) aircraft crossed the median line on a few occasions and entered Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ).

https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4207322

Japan looking at providing financing framework for defense exports

MAY 19, 2021 Facebook

Japanese defense companies participate in a defense exhibition. Photo c/o The Diplomat.

The Japanese Government was reported to be considering a formal system that will provide financing to support the export of defense systems and equipment.

According to reports by British defense media outlet Jane’s, the Japanese Government could be looking at providing low-interest loans to countries to allow them to purchase Japanese defense products.

The state-owned Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) is eyed to provide loans to export customers, while the Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI) would provide support for the loans.

Japan has only started exporting defense materiel recently, as part of easing of restrictions in arms exports and transfer to other countries.

While Japan has been exporting parts and subcomponents for weapon systems from other countries, it has only allowed the export of complete systems in the past few years.

The Philippines was reportedly the first country to acquire Japanese defense systems, ordering 4 air defense and surveillance radar systems for its air force.

Other Asian countries like Indonesia and Thailand have shown interest in Japanese defense equipment as well, with Indonesia is close discussions for the potential joint construction of frigates for the .

Japan has been pushing forward to improve its defense relations with international partners, especially with Southeast Asian partners.

This includes the export and transfer of defense equipment, which was outlined in the “Defense of Japan 2020” White Paper released by the Japanese Government.

https://www.asiapacificdefensejournal.com/2021/05/japan-looking-at-providing-financing.html

Japan won’t limit defence spending amid ‘uncertainty’ in East China Sea: minister

• Tokyo is prepared to exceed the 1 per cent of GDP normally spent on defence, Japanese defence minister Nobuo Kishi says • The increased spending sends a message to the US and China, but could trigger unease among the public, analysts say

Tokyo is prepared to exceed the 1 per cent of GDP normally spent on defence as it targets a “radically different” approach to counter Beijing’s growing military capacity, according to Japan’s defence minister. interview with the Nikkei newspaper on Wednesday. Nobuo Kishi warned the gap between Japan and China’s military was “growing by the year”, in an Japan is changing rapidly, with heightened uncertainty.“The Wesecurity will properly environment allocate surrounding the funding we need to protect our nation,” he told the newspaper, in statements viewed by analysts as a signal both to Japan’s allies and its rivals. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3134195/japan-wont-limit-defence-spending-amid- uncertainty-east-china

Japan must 'radically' speed up defence build-up: Minister

Japanese soldiers take part in an exercise with French and US forces. (File photo: AFP/Charly TRIBALLEAU)

20 May 2021 12:29PM TOKYO: Tokyo must boost its military at a "radically different pace" than in the past to counter Beijing's growing capacity, Japan's defence minister said in an interview published on Thursday (May 20). Nobuo Kishi warned the gap between Japan and China's military was "growing by the year", in an interview with the Nikkei newspaper.

"We must increase our defence capabilities at a radically different pace than in the past," he said, citing China's military spending as well as new areas of warfare including space, cyber and electromagnetics.

Japan's defence spending has tended to hover at around 1 per cent of GDP, but Kishi said that spending would be guided by needs rather than caps.

"The security environment surrounding Japan is changing rapidly with heightened uncertainty," the Nikkei quoted him as saying.

"We will properly allocate the funding we need to protect our nation." https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/japan-speed-up-defence-build-up-east-china-sea- 14847470

Japan eyes stronger regulations on foreign students to prevent outflow of national security tech

• Yomiuri Shimbun file photo

The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry is seen in Tokyo in November 2020.

4:10 pm, May 20, 2021

The Yomiuri ShimbunThe government intends to strengthen regulations on foreign students and researchers at Japanese universities and other institutions concerning the transfer of advanced technology that can be used for military purposes, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned.

Strict application is being considered of the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Law. Under the current system, it is difficult to regulate cases such as those involving foreign nationals who entered Japan more than six months ago, and therefore a review has been deemed necessary, according to government sources.

The government’s intent is to prevent the outflow of military-related technology, with China in mind, the sources said.

Under the law, the provision of technology in Japan to nonresident foreign nationals that can be used for the development of weapons and arms is deemed an “export” and requires approval from the economy, trade and industry minister in a similar manner to exports of goods to other countries.

The Finance Ministry’s notification concerning the interpretation of the law states that foreign nationals who “work in an office in Japan” or “have been in Japan for more than six months” are regarded as “residents.” Such foreign nationals do not need to apply for approval to acquire military-related technology.

For example, foreign researchers employed by Japanese universities and foreign students who have been in Japan for more than six months are categorized as residents. They are still prohibited from acts such as taking technology out of the country, but it is difficult for the government to keep track of the situation and ensure the effectiveness of regulations.

“This has been a loophole in measures to prevent the outflow of technology,” a senior official of the Cabinet Secretariat said.

The government is therefore considering issuing a new notice regarding the requirements for treating foreign nationals as residents under the law. According to the sources, the notice is likely to state that if there is anything suspicious about foreign nationals to whom the technology is to be provided, they will not be recognized as residents and be required to apply for approval for the provision. https://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0007416199

North Korea ‘unlikely to surrender its nuclear stockpile', says USFK commander nominee by Gabriel Dominguez

US Army General Paul LaCamera, the Biden administration’s nominee to be the next commander of US Forces Korea (USFK), said North Korea is not only continuing to build its nuclear programme, but is also unlikely to surrender its nuclear stockpile and production capabilities.

In a statement on policy questions submitted ahead of an 18 May hearing before the US Senate Armed Services Committee, Gen LaCamera said North Korea “has not taken any concrete steps towards denuclearisation”, adding that he does not believe economic sanctions alone will achieve this goal.

“Economic sanctions must be combined with a whole-of-government approach, including all elements of national power and the international community, to convince the [North Korean] regime to return to meaningful negotiations,” he said. “While I do not know what will ultimately incentivise or dissuade the regime to denuclearise, maintaining a combat credible force that is regularly exercised at echelon is an essential tenet to engage North Korea from a position of strength in any discussion of incentives or disincentives.”

Gen LaCamera, who is currently the commander of US Army Pacific, said Pyongyang continues to pursue capabilities to “hold key alliance targets at risk”. For instance, he stated that North Korea showcased “newer and developmental missile … and advanced ballistic fuel systems” in 2020, noting that a total of 76 individual ballistic missile systems, some of which probably have a nuclear capability, were paraded in October of that year.

These new systems represent advanced capabilities that offer greater range and accuracy than legacy North Korean systems while shortening the missile load and launch time, said the general, who, if confirmed, will also head the Republic of Korea (RoK)-United States Combined Forces Command and the United Nations Command, replacing US Army General Robert Abrams. https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/north-korea-unlikely-to-surrender-its-nuclear- stockpile-says-usfk-commander-nominee

North Korean Security Services Given Food for a Year While Others Go Hungry The move is aimed at ensuring loyalty to the regime at a time of general hunger and hardship in the country.

2021-05-20

North Korean authorities have distributed food supplies for a year to law enforcement and other security agencies in a move to shore up loyalty to the regime at a time of general shortages across the country, North Korean sources say. Beginning in April, food deliveries made to members of the national police and state security forces stationed along the border with China, an official in Hyesan city in Ryanggang province, bordering China, told RFA’s Korean Service.

“The food distributions to the police and security agencies were carried out nationwide, despite the country’s difficult food situation,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The amounts of food distributed have varied depending on the status of the units receiving them, the official added.

“But in general, the Public Security Department was given 200 kilograms of corn and 40 kilograms of unpolished rice to distribute per person, while the State Security Department was given 220 kilogram of corn and 80 kilograms of rice per person,” RFA’s source said. Around 50 percent of each individual distribution was then provided for family members separately, the source said.

Already given priority as “special agencies” for distributions of food, North Korean police and security agencies had previously been given 15 or even 20 days’ worth of food at a time, the official said. “However, this year more was distributed in the name of giving them their portion for the entire year.” Another reason for this year’s larger distribution is that police and other security forces working along the border, now blockaded to prevent the spread of COVID-19, typically supplement their meagre pay by taking smugglers’ bribes, and are now facing hardships. “So this can be said to be support from the authorities,” the source said. The source added that members of the agencies now receiving their full year’s allotment of food will likely sell some in the local markets rather than store them for months and risk spoilage, and will then use the money they get to purchase necessities including food later on. 'Sharing stolen food' An official in Chagang province, also bordering China, told RFA that full-year distributions of food had already been made in March to local ruling-party organizations, with the party’s Central Committee pretending that the grain had been produced on land specially leased by the state.

“In fact, they were getting food meant for the country’s people, but they kept their mouths shut, feeling they were sharing stolen food,” he said. “It is the ordinary people who really need the grain,” the source said. “And many have become angry when they hear about the distributions, saying that many in the party organizations and security groups, especially the officials, don’t even appreciate what they’re getting.” Many North Korean families are now running low on food and struggling to get by when much of the grain from last year’s harvest has already been eaten and this year’s crop is still ripening in the fields, RFA’s source said. “This distribution by authorities of food only to the workers of organizations responsible for controlling residents and protecting the regime is an action against the people, and only strengthens the dictatorship regardless of the people’s suffering,” the official said. Serious food crisis

Food insecurity has plagued a significant segment of North Korea’s 23 million people for decades. U.N Special Rapporteur on North Korean Human Rights Tomás Ojea Quintana warned in a report in March that the closure of the Sino-Korean border and restrictions on the movement of people could bring on a “serious food crisis.” “Deaths by starvation have been reported, as has an increase in the number of children and elderly people who have resorted to begging as families are unable to support them,” said the report. RFA reported earlier this month that North Korean authorities were warning residents to prepare for economic difficulties as bad as the 1994-1998 famine which killed millions, as much as 10 percent of the population by some estimates. Kim Jong Un was quoted in state media in April as saying the country faced grim challenges.

“Improving the people’s living standards ... even in the worst-ever situation in which we have to overcome unprecedentedly numerous challenges depends on the role played by the cells, the grassroots organizations of the party,” Kim said during an opening speech at a meeting of cell secretaries of the ruling Workers’ Party. https://www.rfa.org/english/news/korea/food-05202021145307.html

South Korean Navy Upgrades to New Fire-Resistant Uniform

The previous uniforms were “inconvenient” and “vulnerable” to a fire aboard navy vessels.

INDER SINGH BISHT MAY 20, 2021 1 MINUTE READ

The Republic of Korea Navy (ROK Navy) has ordered the decades-old camouflage uniforms and boots worn by personnel onboard combat ships be replaced, Kyunghyang Shinmun reported.

Personnel aboard submarines and combat service support ships will receive the new uniforms by June, the Seoul-based news outlet added. Uniform ‘Vulnerable’ to Flame The upgrade follows an assessment by the service which revealed that the uniforms were “inconvenient” and “vulnerable” to a fire aboard navy vessels, which have narrow passages to exit during a blaze.

“Existing naval ship suits have been pointed out as being inconvenient and particularly vulnerable to flames in ships with many protruding parts due to narrow passages, equipment, and bolts and nuts,” the outlet explained. https://www.thedefensepost.com/2021/05/20/south-korean-navy-upgrades-uniform/

Military hit over substandard food, clothes for conscripts

Posted : 2021-05-20 16:18

Updated : 2021-05-20 18:44

The military has come under fire over a series of reports on substandard clothing and poor quality meals for conscripted service members.

As the defense ministry's earlier order to improve troops' living conditions has not been carried out and such reports have continued, Defense Minister Suh Wook convened a meeting of top , Thursday, to discuss the issue.

According to Rep. Yun Ju-keyng of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), Wednesday, the recent investigation by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) into 18 companies that provide six military clothing items has found that three items from eight companies, including berets and sportswear, did not meet standards set by the government.

The military spent 18.2 billion won ($16.1 million) for 810,000 items from the companies which did not meet quality standards.

In particular, summer sports pants provided by one company had a far lower quality in terms of sweat absorption rate ― it took 19 seconds for the pants to absorb sweat when the standard requires two seconds.

DAPA said that it would request the prosecution to investigate a company that had its contracts with the military terminated, while demanding the other seven companies, whose contract periods have yet to end, improve production quality.

The controversy over clothing is also amplifying recent criticisms of the military that it is not protecting the basic rights of service members. The military has come under fire in recent weeks for providing poor-quality meals to conscripted service members, especially those under quarantine amid the pandemic.

A series of photos and other information related to their poor living conditions, such as food quality and excessive quarantine rules, were posted on social media platforms by some anonymous service members as they are allowed to use their smartphones.

In response to one of the photos, the defense ministry initially said it confirmed the food provided to service members at the unit in question had no problems, but said two days later that parts of the poor-quality food allegation were true.

The ministry then vowed to improve the meal quality and other living conditions, but similar reports have continued to be uploaded on social media, resulting in the meeting of commanders. https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2021/05/205_309125.html

[Newsmaker] Soldiers given substandard clothing, berets

By Kim So-hyun

Published : May 20, 2021 - 16:00 Updated : May 20, 2021 - 16:09 South Korean soldiers have been using substandard exercise clothes and berets for years, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration said amid continued reports about poorly fed troops.

According to DAPA data released by Rep. Yoon Joo-kyung of the main opposition People Power Party on Thursday, eight of the 18 companies that provide apparel for the military has supplied substandard exercise clothes and berets.

The total cost of the faulty products supplied by the eight firms over the past five years amounted to 18.2 billion won ($16.01 million), according to DAPA.

Spring and fall exercise clothes supplied by two of the firms were misshapen and discolored, and some 190,000 such items were provided to the soldiers over two years.

Some 300,000 sets of summer exercise t-shirts and shorts worth 8.7 billion won, supplied by five companies over five years, were made of defective material that didn’t absorb sweat or was easily torn. http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210520000696

Thailand cuts defence budget again by Jon Grevatt

Thailand plans to cut its defence budget for 2022 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. It will be the third reduction in military expenditure in consecutive years if approved by the country’s House of Representatives next month.

The country’s 2022 budget brief – published recently by the government’s Budget Bureau – shows that Thailand’s proposed defence budget for fiscal year (FY) 2022 (which starts October 2021) will be THB203.28 billion (USD6.5 billion). According to the budget document, this represents a cut of around THB11 billion (or a decline of 5%) compared with the 2021 allocation of THB214.53 billion.

The 2021 allocation amounted to a cut of about THB17 billion (or a decline of 7%) compared with the THB231.74 billion appropriation in 2020.

Janes analysis suggests Thailand’s defence budget will face near-term declines (Janes Defence Budgets)

However, in terms of the proportion of the government’s proposed overall spending for 2022, the defence budget has risen marginally to 6.6%; in 2021 it was 6.5%. For 2022, the Thai government has been forced to reduce its plan for total spending by 5.6% largely owing to the economic impact of Covid-19.

In 2020, the defence budget amounted to 7.2% of the national expenditure and in 2019 it was about 7.5%. Janes analysis suggests that the last time it was below 7% before 2020 was 2006.

In terms of the 2022 defence budget, the budget brief shows that the (RTA) will receive THB99.37 billion (or 49% of the total defence budget), with the (RTN) and the (RTAF) allocated THB41.30 billion and THB38.40 billion respectively. https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/thailand-cuts-defence-budget-again_17744

Australian prime minister: Multibillion-dollar military spending not a warning to PRC Voice of America News May 20, 2021 Top Stories 0 Comment

Voice of America News

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, pictured, says multibillion-dollar investments in military bases in northern Australia are designed to enhance regional peace, rather than as

Australiaa deliberate is beefing response up to its the military People’s bases Republic in the ofNorthern China’s Territory,(PRC’s) growing including assertiveness. facilities to train aboriginal recruits, and others that host joint exercises with United States Marines stationed in the region.

Speaking at Robertson Army Barracks in the Northern Territory in late April 2021, Morrison insisted that a 10-year, U.S. $6 billion plan to improve defense facilities is responding to media questions about recent tensions with the Chinese Communist Party intended to keep the peace in an “uncertain” region rather than prepare for conflict. He was (CCP) over Taiwan.

. “All of our objectives here through the activities of our defense forces are designed to Morrisonpursue peace. denied That that is the objectivehuge investment of our government,” in military bases he said is aimed at sending a message in the South China Sea and its crushing of democracy in Hong Kong have been of great to the PRC. Government ministers and analysts have said that the CCP’s military expansion strategic concern to Canberra.

Peter Dutton, that the possibility of conflict with the CCP over Taiwan should not be Morrison, however, has also defended comments by Australia’s new defense minister,

“discounted.” flamed diplomatic tensions between Canberra and Beijing, already strained by geopolitical and trade disputes. Dutton’s remarks have further in

Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian called Australia’s politicians the

“real troublemakers” and declared Australia’s concerns about the threat posed by the PRC as “unethical.” -China

AustraliaThe PRC previously has had to accusedbalance Australiaits long-standing of peddling military “anti alliancehysteria.” with the U.S. and its valuable commercial ties with the PRC, its biggest trading partner.

Political squabbles with the PRC have had damaging economic consequences.

in 2020 for a worldwide investigation into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic that was first detected in China caused fury in Beijing. There followed sweeping Canberra’s call tariffs and restrictions on a range of Australian exports to China, including wine, beef and coal. https://ipdefenseforum.com/2021/05/australian-prime-minister-multibillion-dollar-military-spending- not-a-warning-to-prc/

Australian Military to Establish New $7 Billion Space Division

Australia’s new space division will be compromised of military officers from the army, navy, and air force.

Australia’s defense department announced on Wednesday that the country will be creating a new space division in a bid to protect its satellites from attack. The division will be established within the Royal Australian Air Force headquarters in Canberra and will have a budget of $7 billion over the next 10 years.

According to Australian Air Force Chief Mel Hupfeld, creating a space division is imperative because the military relies on space for weather prediction, navigation, accessing geospatial information, and sharing data across Australia and throughout the world.

“Defence will need capabilities that directly contribute to outcomes in space as a contested domain, however, this does not mean that Defence encourages the militarization of space,” Hupfeld said. “All Space operations are conducted consistent with international and domestic legal obligations.”

Military officers from the army, navy, and air force will comprise Australia’s new space division. It is set to be established in 2022.

Labor Department Shows Support Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers said investing in technology development is essential because the country’s defense force needs to maintain its capabilities.

“There are new frontiers in defense technology all of the time, and any country like ours investing so heavily in our defense needs to keep up with those developments and ideally get ahead of them,” he explained.

“If the developments in technology require us to invest in those areas, then so be it,” he added. https://www.thedefensepost.com/2021/05/20/australia-military-space-division/

Royal Australian Navy’ Second Supply- Class AOR Sails Home

The Royal Australian Navy’ second Supply Class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment ship, NUSHIP Stalwart, departed for Australia from Pier 12 in Navantia’s Ferrol shipyard on Thursday, 20 May 2021.

Naval News Staff 20 May 2021 Navantia press release

The ‘Stalwart’ is the second of two supply vessels (AOR) built by Navantia Ferrol for the Royal Australian Navy. The ship will now navigate for 30 days towards her homeport, HMAS Sterling, in Western Australia. ‘Stalwart’ will then undergo a final fit-out where the installation and testing of the combat and communications systems, as well as some logistics areas, will be completed by Australian industry. The Australian ambassador to Spain, Her Excellency Ms Sophia McIntyre, participated in the farewell to NUSHIP ‘Stalwart’, together with the president of Navantia, Mr Ricardo Domínguez and the director of the Ferrol shipyard, Mr Eduardo Dobarro.

President of Navantia, Mr Ricardo Domínguez The president of Navantia especially recognized the efforts of the workers and highlighted the importance of the next program for the Spanish Navy in which the shipyard is already embarked, the frigate F-110, which will be a lever for growth and employment. The director of the shipyard, Eduardo Dobarro, underlined “the knowledge, know- how and effort made by the workers, both of Navantia and its collaborating industry, especially in such a delicate situation, caused by the pandemic”. After the speeches, the rope launching maneuver was carried out and the anthems of Australia and Spain were interpreted with the last one. The contract for two AOR vessels was the fourth signed between Navantia and the Commonwealth of Australia, after the construction of two LHDs and its 12 landing crafts and the design and transfer of technology for three AWD destroyers. This contract for the two AOR vessels also includes their sustainment, for which Navantia Australia is developing an advanced asset management model to support the life cycle during the first five years. Likewise, it will also require an important participation of the Australian industry that will be responsible for the installation and testing of elements of the combat and communications systems, as well as some logistic areas. After completing these works, the ship will be delivered to the Commonwealth of Australia on August 31. Australia is a strategic client for Navantia. When the second AOR is operational, the Royal Australian Navy will have in service 19 naval units designed by Navantia. In addition to supporting the life cycle of AOR vessels, Navantia Australia is involved the support of all other units. https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/05/royal-australian-navy-second-supply-class-aor-sails- home/

Australia launches maritime research vessel Ginan Naval News May 2021 Navy Forces Maritime Defense Industry POSTED ON WEDNESDAY, 19 MAY 2021 11:06 According to a press release published by the Australian Government on May 19, 2021, the Australian Department of Defence is partnering with Australian companies to strengthen maritime research skills by delivering a new regional Australia-built defence science research vessel. Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

The vessel will spend three weeks on the Manning River undertaking testing and commissioning of systems before being delivered to Garden Island, Sydney.

The Department of Defence’s Science and Technology Group (DSTG) conducts research in a number of areas including support for the RAN’s mine countermeasures programs.

The boat was constructed by a local Australian boat builder, Steber International, based at Taree, NSW.

It will be used for science and technology trials in coastal waters, predominantly in the Sydney Harbour and Jervis Bay regions of New South Wales.

The Steber 40, a 12m vessel, is powered by twin Cummins 480hp diesel engines and features a comprehensive electronics package and specialised hydraulics and it will be capable of carrying up to 10 passengers and overnight accommodation for two.

The firm Steber already equip NSW and Victorian Water Police, Australian Federal Police, Australian Customs and the Republic of Mauritius. https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2021/may/10164- australia-launches-maritime-research-vessel-ginan.html

Royal Australian Navy's HMS Ballarat joints Operation Argos Naval News May 2021 Navy Forces Maritime Defense Industry POSTED ON WEDNESDAY, 19 MAY 2021 16:23 According to information published by the Australian Government on May 17, 2021, the Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Ballarat has joined the international effort to enforce United Nations Security Council sanctions on North Korea.

HMAS Ballarat departs Fleet Base West in 2018 (Picture source: Royal Australian Navy)

Ballarat’s support to sanctions enforcement marks the second Australian Defence Force contribution to Operation ARGOS this year. Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Greg Bilton said Operation ARGOS demonstrated Australia’s commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and global rules- based order.

This is the fifth deployment of a Navy vessel to Operation ARGOS since the operation commenced in 2018. The Australian Defence Force has also deployed a maritime patrol aircraft on eight occasions for Operation ARGOS.

Ballarat is currently on a two-month regional presence deployment throughout Southeast and Northeast Asia.

HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155) is an Anzac-class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). The frigate was laid down in 2000 and commissioned into the RAN in mid-2004.

The Anzacs are based on Blohm + Voss' MEKO 200 PN (or Vasco da Gama-class) frigates, modified to meet Australian and New Zealand specifications and maximise the use of locally built equipment. Each frigate has a 3,600-tonne (3,500-long-ton; 4,000-short-ton) full load displacement.

The ships are 109 metres (358 ft) long at the waterline, and 118 metres (387 ft) long overall, with a beam of 14.8 metres (49 ft), and a full load draught of 4.35 metres (14.3 ft).

A Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion machinery layout is used, with a single, 30,172- horsepower (22,499 kW) General Electric LM2500-30 gas turbine and two 8,840-horsepower (6,590 kW) MTU 12V1163 TB83 diesel engines driving the ship's two controllable-pitch propellers. Maximum speed is 27 knots (50 km/h; 31 mph), and maximum range is over 6,000 nautical miles (11,000 km; 6,900 mi) at 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph); about 50% greater than other MEKO 200 designs. The standard ship's company of an Anzac consists of 22 officers and 141 sailors.

The main armament for the frigate is a 5-inch 54 calibre Mark 45 gun, supplemented by an eight-cell Mark 41 vertical launch system (for RIM-7 Sea Sparrow or RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles), two 12.7-millimetre (0.50 in) machine guns, and two Mark 32 triple torpedo tube sets (initially firing Mark 46 torpedoes, but later upgraded to use the MU90 Impact torpedo).

They were also designed for but not with a close-in weapons system (two Mini Typhoons fitted when required from 2005 onwards), two quad-canister Harpoon anti-ship missile launchers (which were installed across the RAN vessels from 2005 onwards), and a second Mark 41 launcher (which has not been added). https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2021/may/10167-royal- australian-navy-s-hms-ballarat-joints-operation-argos.html

Australia and New Zealand should coordinate space launch capabilities

21 May 2021|Geoff Slocombe

e hearing a lot about the need for Australia to develop a sovereign space capability. An article on The Strategist in March warned moreWe’r commercially attractive location for establishing a launch- that Australia risks New Zealand ‘becoming the Shock and horror that the Kiwis should offer something commerciallydependent better space than company.’anything available in the current Australian business environment.

The NZ launch experience is running several years ahead of Australia with 17 successful launches of 104 small

satellites since November 2018 by Rocket Lab’s launch complex on Thesethe North 17 Electron Island’s Mahiarocket Peninsula. loads have included satellites for NASA, US government agencies, universities and corporations, as well as several Australian companies and universities.

t last week and on 4 July last year. Both incidents appear to have been related to second-stage engines on Electron boosters. Rocket Lab’s only failed launches occurred jus zip.

SoCompare why does this Australia with Australia’s need a sovereigncurrent successful launch capabili small satellite launch statistics— one in New Zealand? The answer is very interesting. ty when there’s already a successful -synchronous low-earth orbits, or , once every 24 Rocket Lab’s location is suitable for launching into sun rotationalLEO, which speed, mean thea satellite Mahia Peninsulacan cover theis not entire suitable earth’s to launch surface, satellites in daylight into geo-stationary orbitshours. highHowever, above without the earth, the or benefit to achieve launch long-distance sites on the spaceequator travel. receive from the earth’s If Australia committed to having most of its government-owned small satellites launched by Rocket Lab in New Zealand, what could we offer New Zealand in return? An equatorial launch site in the far north of Australia could boost rocket launch velocity in the direction

Theof the closer earth’s a launch rotation. site is to the equator, the heavier the payload that can be sent up for the same fuel burn. At the equator, a rocket launch site is travelling through space at 1,670 kilometres per ho 2o km/h at the Mahia Peninsula (39o Virginia (37o ur, compared with 1,635 km/h at Darwin’s latitude (1 27’ South), 1,292 26’ South) or 1,319 km/h at NASA’s Wallops Island in 58’ North). into LEO, it has now developed its Neutron rocket, an advanced 8-tonne payload launch vehicle tailored to launchApart from large Rocket constellations Lab’s very of soundsatellites experience into LEO, placing or with small lighter satellites payloads for geostationary or interplanetary missions and human spaceflight.

Rocket Lab says Neutron will also launch larger civil, defence and commercial payloads that need a level of schedule control and high-flight cadence not available on large and heavy lift rockets. Neutron will be capable of lifting 98% of all satellites forecast to launch through architecture. 2029 and will be able to lower costs by leveraging Electron’s heritage, launch sites and If Australia and New Zealand combine capabilities, they could use an Australian launch site near the equator. Both countries will be able to despatch heavy Neutron payloads when required.

-1A and new LC-1B will enable it to increase the frequency of launches to launchRocket satellitesLab’s LC of up to 300 kilograms from its two co-located complexes. Multiple satellitesaround 120 can per be year.delivered It’s licensed into orbit for in a alaunch single every launch, 72 with hours. individual Rocket Lab satellites New Zealand released can -stage rocket.

Rocketfrom Rocket Lab was Lab’s founded Proton in spacecraft 2007 by New on top Zealand of the engineerElectron twoPeter Beck. In 2013 it became a US corporation called Rocket Lab USA and attracted a lot of working capital. expected to serve primarily government customers. Rocket Lab USA has set up a launch complex at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility, which is Earlier this year, Royal Australian Air Force chief Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld revealed planning was well underway for a new space command

-Marshal‘ Catherine’ within Roberts, the nowRAAF. responsible for designing and shaping air and space power for the joint force, becomes the inaugural headThe RAAF’s of this headnew command of capability, in January Air Vice 2022. Two of its key responsibilities will be protecting satellites used by the Australian Defence Force and its allies for operations, and the establishment of an Australian sovereign constellation of small communications satellites through Joint Project 9102. satellites. Roberts will no doubt also be closely involved with development of Defence’s surveillance The numerous satellite launches already planned could provide commercial opportunities for Australian companies.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story said Rocket Lab had experienced one launch failure. The article has been updated to include one that occurred on 15 May. https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/australia-and-new-zealand-should-coordinate-space-launch- capabilities/

New Clashes Between Myanmar’s Military and Ethnic Armies Exacerbates Refugee Crisis Fighting in recent weeks has displaced some 45,000 civilians in Chin and Kachin states.

2021-05-20 At least 10 military junta troops were killed and around 20 critically wounded in five clashes over the last two days in Myanmar’s Chin state, militia groups said Thursday, while tens of thousands of civilians have fled and are living in dire conditions as fighting has intensified in the region.

Four of the engagements took place in Chin’s Hakha township, killing and injuring regime soldiers, a Hakha-based Chin-land Defense Force (CDF) spokesman told RFA’s Myanmar Service. The first occurred when CDF forces entered Lot Klone village on May 18 and were fired on by the junta troops, while the second took place the following morning, when a CDF unit ambushed soldiers on Matupi Road, killing seven, he said.

“This morning [Thursday] we heard from sources close to the area that more than 10 troops were killed and more than 20 injured,” the spokesman said. Additionally, the CDF reported, a clash took place at a security checkpoint near Hakha University on May 18 and another near the intersection of Hakha Thar 6 and Hakha-Gangaw Roads the same day. On the evening of May 19, the military set fire to more than 30 motorbikes owned by Hakha CDF members, the group said, although no casualties were suffered.

In Chin’s nearby Mindat township, the Mindat People’s Administration (MPA) militia said it engaged with regime troops on May 19 between mile markers 40 and 50 on Mindat-Matupi Road, killing three junta soldiers, including a sergeant. As of Thursday, the military had yet to confirm details of any of the clashes in Chin state, where soldiers are battling volunteer militias wielding mostly home-made weapons more than three months after it overthrew the country’s elected government in a Feb. 1 coup and reinstated junta rule. Za Op Ling, deputy executive director of the Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO), told RFA that more than 35,000 civilians from Chin state have fled their homes since the attack on Lot Klone village—15,000 of whom have crossed Myanmar’s border into India’s Mizoram state. “Whenever there is a clash, the soldiers later search every house and make arrests,” he said. “Their main target is young people, so all the youths have fled to nearby villages. Some escaped to the Indian border. All this happened mostly in Mindat and at least 8,000 people have fled from the township alone.” Za Op Ling said that local authorities in Mizoram state have asked India’s central government to provide assistance to the refugees from Myanmar. A resident of Mindat confirmed that the township is nearly deserted after the military “opened fire with heavy artillery,” killing several residents. “In this kind of situation, it isn’t possible for people to live in the town. It’s not safe to stay at home at all,” she said. “People just fled to nearby forests or villages. The young people from our village have helped some of the refugees. Now there are only some elderly people left in the town, most of whom are trapped.” Around 3,000 people taking shelter in four villages in Mindat township are currently facing food shortages due to logistical difficulties and with water and power cut off, according to a local aid worker. A member of the Mindat CDF, which is helping the refugees, said the group plans to ask the United Nations refugee agency for help in distributing food and other necessities. A spokesman for the U.N. Secretary-General said in a statement on Tuesday that that the UN Office for Human Rights is investigating reports of arbitrary detentions, including the killing of six people in Mindat over the weekend. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said at least 797 civilians, including dozens of children, have been killed by security forces since the latest military coup, while more than a thousand civilians have been injured. The fighting in Mindat over the weekend prompted Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) on Thursday to condemn the military’s blocking of humanitarian and medical aid and access to clean water. “The reports out of Mindat … expose the horrifying reality of ongoing violence against tens of thousands of civilians in Mindat by the Myanmar military,” the group said. “These actions further echo the unconscionable actions and severe breaches of international human rights law perpetrated by the since the group seized power in a February 1 coup d’etat,” it said, using the Burmese name for the military.

“Physicians for Human Rights is appalled by the Myanmar military’s unlawful implementation of martial law in Mindat, who has pushed civilians into Mindat’s surrounding jungles to escape detention, and the reported obstruction in access to clean drinking water.” The group noted that the fighting has left women and children in Mindat vulnerable to tactics of war it said the military regularly employs, including sexual and gender-based violence. https://www.rfa.org/english/news/myanmar/clashes-05202021195632.html

Myanmar coup latest: Electoral body to dissolve Suu Kyi's party - media

Military lifts age limit for Min Aung Hlaing post

News outlet Myanmar Now said in a tweet on May 21 that Myanmar's election commission Chair Thein Soe stated the regime will prosecute National League for Democracy leaders as "traitors." © Reuters

Nikkei staff writersMay 17, 2021 10:10 JSTUpdated on May 21, 2021 15:53 JST

YANGON/BANGKOK -- Myanmar's military on Feb. 1 detained State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint in the country's first coup since 1988, bringing an end to a decade of civilian rule.

The Suu Kyi-led National League for Democracy had won a landslide in a general election in November. But the military has claimed the election was marred by fraud. https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Myanmar-Coup/Myanmar-coup-latest-Electoral-body-to-dissolve-Suu- Kyi-s-party-media

Myanmar troops shell Thai border village

Myanmar troops shelled a Thai border village in Mae Hong Son province on Thursday, prompting Thai forces to beef up security.

Myanmar’s 341st Battalion troops fired three 60mm shells into Tha Ta Fang village in Mae Sariang district at around noon, according to local reports. Villagers fled from the shelling in terror, while damage from the attack is still being assessed.

Thai forces responded by mobilising heavy weapons – two K120mm mortar guns – to support frontline soldiers at the neighbouring village of Tha Ta Kiang.

The shelling by Myanmar troops was retaliation for an attack this morning on their Da Kawin military base by Karen National Union (KNU) soldiers. Myanmar forces then threatened to shell Tha Ta Fang village as a suspected hideout for KNU rebel troops. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40001105

Myanmar air force chief in Moscow for military helicopter expo - media reports

Reuters 3 minute read

The chief of Myanmar's air force and other military officials are visiting Moscow on Thursday to attend an exhibition displaying combat helicopters, one Russia-focused and one Myanmar-focused news outlet reported.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/myanmar-air-force-chief-moscow-military-helicopter- expo-media-reports-2021-05-20/

Sanctions Targeting Russia’s Defense Sector: Will They Influence Its Behavior? By John V. Parachini & Ryan Bauer

In response to recent Russian cyber espionage, interference in U.S. elections, and the poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, President Biden announced a new round of sanctions and expulsions of Russian officials. The question is, will these sanctions hurt Russia’s defense industry enough to curb the Kremlin’s behavior?

The U.S. added 32 entities to the sanctioned entities list of more than 700 Russian individuals, companies and entities already subject to sanctions. These include sanctions passed following Russia’s 2014 military takeover of Crimea and aggression in Southeastern Ukraine and 2016 legislation aimed at discouraging countries from purchasing Russian advance conventional weapons through the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. While President Biden indicated that he did not seek an escalatory cycle of actions against Moscow, he has been much more forceful than his predecessor in calling out the Russian government for its malign interference in other states.

There are few indications that the cumulative effect of U.S. and E.U. sanctions, expulsions of diplomats and suspected intelligence offices, and financial restrictions are causing Putin to be more cautious. After mobilizing more than 100,000 forces at its border with Ukraine, Russia has pulled back some of the forces, though some of its equipment remains threateningly close to Ukrainian territory. Putin's participation in the Biden-sponsored climate summit and the potential summit between the two leaders in June are also signs that Putin may be tempering his approach to the new American administration. But the Kremlin leader’s track record does not suggest he will back down and chart a more responsible course.

Ever since Russia’s military aggression in Crimea and Southeastern Ukraine, Putin’s regime has sought ways to mitigate Western economic pressures. The restrictions on Russia’s ability to import critical system components and high-performance machine tools will, over time, have a noteworthy impact on Russia's high-technology manufacturing sector. To lessen the impact of sanctions on its manufacturing industry, Russia launched a program of import substitution in key industrial sectors, but it has struggled to achieve its intended goals. One example is Russia's continued struggle to replace key system components such as engines and composite material for aircraft wings, which Ukrainian and Western manufacturers previously supplied. This has led to development delays with both military aircraft, such as Russia's proclaimed Su-57 fifth- generation fighter and civil aircraft such as Russia's MC-21. Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev also acknowledged last year that the Russian defense industry “is still dependent on foreign technologies.” https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2021/05/20/sanctions_targeting_russias_defense_sector_w ill_they_influence_its_behavior_777935.html

Russian lawmakers vote to follow US out of overflight treaty Vladimir Isachenkov, The Associated Press

A Russian Air Force Tu-214 flies over Offutt Air Force Base on April 26, 2019, in Omaha, Neb. The flight is allowed as part of the Open Skies Treaty. (Chris Machian/Omaha World-Herald via AP)

MOSCOW — The Russian parliament’s lower house voted Wednesday to withdraw from an international treaty allowing surveillance flights over military facilities following the U.S. departure from the pact.

The Russian exit from the Open Skies Treaty is yet to be endorsed by the upper house of parliament and needs to be signed by President Vladimir Putin to take effect. Moscow has signaled its readiness to reverse the withdrawal procedure and stay in the treaty if the United States returns to the agreement.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Russian lawmakers Wednesday that if the U.S. declares its intention to return to the pact, a “new diplomatic process will start.” He added, however, that he considers that unlikely.

The withdrawal vote came hours before U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov were to hold their first meeting on the sidelines of a gathering of top diplomats from the Arctic countries in Reykjavik, Iceland. They are expected to focus on setting the stage for a planned summit next month between U.S. President Joe Biden and Putin.

The Open Skies Treaty was intended to build trust between Russia and the West by allowing the accord’s more than three dozen signatories to conduct reconnaissance flights over each other’s territories to collect information about military forces and activities. More than 1,500 flights have been conducted under the treaty since it took effect in 2002, aimed at fostering transparency and allowing for the monitoring of arms control and other agreements. U.S. President Donald Trump pulled out of the pact last year, arguing that Russian violations made it untenable for Washington to remain a party. Washington completed its withdrawal from the treaty in November.

https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2021/05/19/russian-lawmakers-vote-to- follow-us-out-of-overflight-treaty/

Russian Navy to restructure Project 955/955A Borey SSBN deployment by Tony Roper

Borey (Project 955A)-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) fleet, according to local media reports.

USS Seawolf is pictured visiting Royal Navy base Clyde (Faslane) in Scotland in September 2020. (Tony Roper)

Following Russia's recent ‘Umka 2021' military drills, which took place in March within the Arctic circle, a review is now under way to better place the SSBNs to counteract threats and deployments of NATO forces that operate in the North, Russian newspaper Ivestia reported on 11 May.

Previous information released by the Russian MoD has alluded to the SSBNs primarily being deployed to the 25 th Submarine Division/16 thSubmarine Squadron of the Pacific Fleet, based in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy. However, it now appears that at least one Project 955A not yet commissioned will instead be allocated to the Northern Fleet.

In addition, one of the Project 955As already in service with the 25 thSubmarine Division may also transfer to the Northern Fleet. This would bring the tally of 955s to four for the 31 st Submarine Division/12 thSubmarine Squadron, which is based in Gadzhiyevo, in the Murmansk Oblast. The 12th Submarine Squadron currently operates Yuriy Dolgorukiy (Project 955) and Knyaz Vladimir (Project 955A).

Knyaz Vladimir was one of three submarines that broke through the ice as part of the ‘Umka' exercise. According to the Russian MoD the SSBN operated efficiently and as expected during the event.

It is not yet known which of the remaining SSBNs to be commissioned would be allocated to the Northern Fleet if the reshuffle does take place. Of the completed SSBNs, fifth-of-class Knyaz Oleg is currently undergoing sea trials following its launch in July 2020, while the sixth, https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/russian-navy-to-restructure-project-955955a-borey- ssbn-deployment

Russian Krasnodar submarine passes L-1 qualification mission Naval News May 2021 Navy Forces Maritime Defense Industry POSTED ON WEDNESDAY, 19 MAY 2021 11:51 According to information published by Tass on May 18, 2021, the Krasnodar diesel-electric submarine of project 636.3 of the Black Sea fleet passed the L-1 qualification mission, which provides the initial permission for submariners to fulfill the assigned missions, the Defense Ministry said. Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

The Krasnodar submarine is a Russian diesel-electric submarine of project 636.3 Varshavianka built- in 2014. Krasnodar laid down 20 February 2014 at the Admiralty Shipyard, Saint Petersburg (yard No.01673), launched 25 April 2015, commissioned 05 November 2015.

Kilo-class is the NATO reporting name for a type of military diesel-electric submarines that are made in Russia. The original version of these vessels is designated in Russia Project 877 "Paltus" (Turbot). There is also a more advanced version, which is designated in the west Improved Kilo and in Russia as Project 06363. Nicknamed the “Black Hole” submarine by the U.S. Navy, the Improved Kilos are extremely quiet.

The ships are powered by two diesel generators and an electric drive, giving them enough power to make ten knots at the surface and seventeen knots underwater. They are not fast submarines. They have a range of six thousand to 7500 nautical miles. The ship has a rubbery anechoic coating to deaden noise emanating from the submarine, which occasionally gives the submarines a blocky appearance noticeable in photographs. The sensor suite consists of the MGK-400 Rubikon (Shark Gill) low-frequency active and passive radar suite with a passive hull array. It also has an MG519 Mouse Roar high-frequency radar for target classification and mine avoidance. For simple surface navigation and search the Kilos are equipped with the MRK-50 Albatros radar.

Submarines have six torpedo tubes of standard 533-millimeter diameter and were originally configured to carry homing torpedoes and eighteen SS-N-15A Starfish antisubmarine missiles. On the Improved Kilos, two of the torpedo tubes are capable of firing wire-guided torpedoes. One major improvement of Project 06363 is the ability to launch Kalibr cruise missiles. Kalibr is a versatile class of missiles with land-attack, antiship, and antisubmarine warfare versions. https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2021/may/10165- russian-krasnodar-submarine-passes-l-1-qualification-mission.html

Russia will start supplying S-400 missile to India in Q4 -Interfax

Reuters 1 minute read

Russian S-400 missile air defence systems are seen during a training exercise at a military base in Kaliningrad region, Russia August 11, 2020. REUTERS/Vitaly Nevar

Russia will start supplying its S-400 surface-to-air missile systems to India in the fourth quarter, the Interfax news agency quoted Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport as saying on Thursday. https://www.reuters.com/world/india/russia-will-start-supplying-s-400-missile-india-q4-interfax-2021- 05-20/

Russia calls for military meeting of Arctic states as tensions rise Lavrov proposes gathering of general staffs of the eight countries.

Twenty five F-35A Lightning IIs assemble on the flight line prior to taking off during an exercise at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska on April 7. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Air Force)

May 21, 2021 01:50 JST

COPENHAGEN (Reuters) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday urged Arctic states to resume high-level military meetings amid growing tension in the region and expressed concern about the deployment of foreign troops in near the Russian border.

As a warming climate is opening up the Arctic for shipping, fishing, drilling and mining, Russia has beefed up its military presence there and the United States is carrying out more naval exercises.

"It is important to extend the positive relations that we have within the Arctic Council to encompass the military sphere as well," Lavrov said in a speech at an Arctic Council meeting in Reykjavik.

Military matters are not covered by the Arctic Council, which was created in 1996 to establish peaceful dialogue between Arctic states and indigenous people on issues such as environmental protection and sustainable development.

On Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused Russia of unlawful maritime claims in the Arctic. Annual meetings between armed forces chiefs from Arctic states were halted in 2014 following Russia's annexation of Crimea. Russia has not participated in another forum, the Arctic Security Forces Roundtable, since 2014.

Lavrov proposed starting with a meeting of military experts from the general staffs of the eight Arctic countries.

Russia takes over the chairmanship of the Arctic Council this year.

Lavrov also voiced concern over NATO-member Norway, which shares a short border with Russia and last month allowed the United States to build facilities at three Norwegian airfields and a naval base.

"We are concerned about what is going on close to our border with Norway," Lavrov said.

Relations between Norway and Russia gradually improved in the post-Cold War era before suffering a setback when Moscow annexed Crimea. That led to a military build-up on both sides of the border and more frequent military maneuvers. https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Russia-calls-for-military-meeting-of-Arctic- states-as-tensions-rise

Russian fighter intercepts U.S. bomber before Lavrov-Blinken meeting (Xinhua) 09:11, May 20, 2021

File photo of a Russian Su-27 fighter The U.S. bomber was approaching Russia's sovereign airspace over the neutral waters of the Baltic Sea. MOSCOW, May 19 (Xinhua) -- A Russian Su-27 fighter intercepted a B-52H strategic bomber of the U.S. Air Force over the Baltic Sea on Wednesday, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

The Russian jet escorted the U.S. plane, which was approaching Russia's sovereign airspace over the neutral waters of the Baltic Sea, until the B-52H changed its course and left. http://en.people.cn/n3/2021/0520/c90000-9851991.html

NATO Maritime Commander: Allies Are Coming Up With Modern Littoral Warfare Concepts, and NATO Needs to Exercise Them

By: Megan Eckstein May 20, 2021 1:13 PM

•

y a big role in any future combat or crisis response scenario but he wants to moveThe head beyond of NATO’s old notions maritime of what force an says amphibious amphibious operation operations really will is. pla –

Command (MARCOM), said this week that amphibious operations often bringRoyal toNavy mind Vice images Adm. of Keith the battleBlount, of commander Iwo Jima or ofthe NATO’s World AlliedWar II Maritime movie concepts that are attractive options to him and make best use of emerging technologies“Saving Private like Ryan.” unmanned But he systems, highlighted cyber, three electronic countries’ warfare, new amphibious networks and more in their names. – and, coincidentally or not, don’t feature the word “amphibious” warfighting concept, Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations. Blount first highlighted the U.S. Marine Corps’ new naval expeditionary and actually quite distinct in the way that it sets various forms of capability apart but “I think is particularly attractive and interesting – a very dispersed, nonlinear approach to warfighting to deliver to the adversarynevertheless a number threads of them different together. effects It’s that not rangea linear from form simply of warfighting, influence it’s right away to kinetic fires. And it uses within it a lot of terms that we would

be familiar with, but the word ‘amphibious’ doesn’t really appear.” its Future Commando Force orientated around Littoral Strike Groups or LittoralBlount also Response highlighted groups “the that United will be Kingdom’s deployed owndispersed Littoral in Strikea persistent idea and way, whether in support of NATO operations further east or south. It blends some traditional thinking around amphibiosity with fifth-gen firepower, which immediately draws the attention of the capability to the most modern form of warfighting that we have, capable of interdicting and ultimately dispatching anti-access and area-

denial systems.” about the three-landscape model: the human, the physical and the And third, he mentioned the ’ new approach, which “talks information landscapes.” said. Additionally, he said, it includes mobile cyber teams that can be an advance“It identifies force key and points go deep that into need enemy to be territorypenetrated to setor interdicted,” up cyber networks, Blount which Blount said is a niche capability today but could become the way of doing things in the future. https://news.usni.org/2021/05/20/nato-maritime-commander-allies-are-coming-up-with-modern- littoral-warfare-concepts-and-nato-needs-to-exercise-them

Iron Dome sustains interception rate by Yaakov Lappin

The Iron Dome air defence system has maintained “an intercept rate of approximately 90%” during the latest conflict with militants in the Gaza Strip, the Israel Defense Forces said on 20 May.

Iron Dome launchers in southern Israeli fire Tamir interceptors (left) against a barrage of rockets coming from the Gaza Strip, the contrails of which can be seen (right) on the night of 14 May. (Anas Baba/AFP via Getty Images)

It added that the militants have launched 4,070 rockets at Israel in the 10 days since the fighting escalated on 10 May, making this by far the most intense fire Iron Dome has faced since it entered service in 2011. In contrast, around 4,500 rockets were launched at Israel during the 49-day conflict in 2014.

The IDF did not state how many rockets have been intercepted, although it noted that 610 failed and landed inside the Gaza Strip.

The 90% figure refers to successful engagements where Iron Dome launched interceptors at rockets that it assessed to be heading towards areas designated for protection. It ignores those heading towards unprotected areas.

Both Hamas and Islamic Jihad unveiled new types of rockets with longer ranges and/or heavier warheads during the conflict and appeared to be attempting to saturate Israel’s air defences by launching more than a hundred at one area in a short space of time.

Multiple rockets have penetrated Israel’s air defences to hit Israeli population centres where they have killed at least 10 civilians and seriously injured more than 100. That contrasts with six civilians killed in 2014. https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/iron-dome-sustains-interception-rate

Why does the UK want more nuclear weapons?

20 May 2021|Wyn Rees and Azriel Bermant

In March, the took many nuclear policy experts by surprise with its announcement that it was increasing the cap on its nuclear stockpile from 225 to 260 ed integrated review warheads. This reversal of decades of reductions of the UK’s nuclear stockpile was spell Whenout in theBritain government’s obtained the ‘ Trident D5 missile’ of fromsecurity the andUnited defence States policy. in the early 1980s, the capability exceeded UK military needs and the decision was taken not to deploy the maximum number of warheads on the missile. The Trident submarines could carry more warheads and strike more accurately than the UK believed was necessary.

The size of the UK nuclear force has been guided over the years by considerations of what targets at risk. constitutes a ‘minimum deterrent’. The UK has sought to put a certain number of enemy Missile defences around Moscow led the UK to improve the penetrability of its former could pierce those defences. Polaris missile under the ‘Chevaline’ program in the 1970s to ensure that its warheads capability. The UK and its allies have historically been concerned that the US might be reluctantThe size of to the use UK’s its nuclear deterrent forces has inbeen defence gauged of itsin concertallies and with have the believed much larger it necessary US to - a supreme national emergency. possess a ‘second centre of decision making’ in which their own weapons could be used in The British government says the decision to expand its nuclear stockpile is driven by a deterioration in the strategic landscape and technological threats. Russia has been overhauling its nuclear forces since 2007 and investing in new technologies such as underwater nuclear drones and hypersonic missiles. China has been increasing its nuclear capabilities and its current hostility towards Taiwan increases the risk of a China US confrontation. – In addition, the UK is mindful of the need to deter newly proliferating countries as well as novel threats such as cyberattacks. The UK has committed to replacing its four Trident submarines with a new generation of vessels to preserve its deterrent into the 2050s.

The surprise for some is that Russian improvements in missile defences have played a key

role in the UK’s decision. - Western intelligence has been monitoring Russia’s comprehensive upgrade of its missile defences around Moscow and neighbouring areas, and it’s not the first time that anti ballistic missile improvements around the Russian capital have influenced UK strategic thinking.

Recently declassified papers in Britain and the US demonstrate that such concerns were being expressed as far back as the early 1980s and even resulted in a spat between ing we discuss in more depth in this article in the Journal of Strategic Studies. The main cause of thoseMargaret tensions Thatcher’s was the government determination and Ronaldof the Reagan Reagan’s administration administration, to move someth ahead with its Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI). https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/why-does-the-uk-want-more-nuclear-weapons/

The UN Struggles to Make Progress on Securing Cyberspace

ARINDRAJIT BASU, IRENE POETRANTO, JUSTIN LAU

The stability of global financial, healthcare, and security systems is increasingly at risk from cyber threats. As more critical infrastructure and industrial control systems are connected to the internet, a growing number of state and nonstate actors have developed, purchased, and deployed tools, weapons, and strategies to deter and disrupt cyberspace. The WannaCry, NotPetya, and SolarWinds hacks represent a few examples of recent cyber attacks with significant geopolitical consequences. In addition, the coronavirus pandemic has precipitated new attacks against critical medical organizations (such as ransomware attacks against hospitals).

Businesses and government agencies around the world, including in Georgia, India, Iran, Israel, and the United States, have reportedly been compromised by state-sponsored cyber attacks. Receiving less media attention is civil society, which faces the same persistent threats experienced by states and major corporations, yet lacks the resources needed to defend itself. These trends illustrate that the proliferation of information technologies that facilitate digital attacks is threatening the security and integrity of the internet, as well as internet users’ safety and privacy, which should be of concern to governments worldwide. Arindrajit Basu

Arindrajit Basu is the research lead at the Centre for Internet and Society, India, where he focuses on the geopolitics and constitutionality of emerging technologies. He is a lawyer by training and holds a BA, LLB (Hons) degree from the National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata, and an LLM in public international law from the University of Cambridge.

UN member states have attempted to devise rules for responsible state behavior in cyberspace to help maintain international peace and security. The most recent initiative, the UN Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) on Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)—created by a Russia-sponsored resolution—resulted in the adoption of a consensus report in March 2021. Unfortunately, long-standing disagreements between countries on the need for a global, interoperable, and open internet have resulted in a consensus report that largely fails to deliver on the OEWG’s key objectives, namely, to address the root causes of global cyber instability today. Consequently, the international system remains beset by a lack of accountability and inadequate safeguards for civilians and critical infrastructure, leading to unpredictability and harmful outcomes.

The OEWG is not the first attempt by UN member states to create common rules of the road for cyberspace. As far back as 1999, Russia proposed a set of “principles of international information security” to the UN secretary general but it received little support. In 2004, the UN established a Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) to develop norms of responsible state behavior in cyberspace. Six subsequent GGEs have been established thus far, including the GGE in 2019– 2021, which was created by a U.S.-sponsored resolution. The most notable development stemming from the GGE process was the adoption of a consensus report in 2013 outlining a set of foundational norms for the governance of cyberspace (or “cyber norms” for short) and reaffirming that international law, state sovereignty, and human rights apply to cyberspace. The GGE’s 2015 report elaborated on the principle of nonintervention in other states’ internal affairs and emphasized that states should protect their own critical infrastructure and should refrain from carrying out cyber attacks that damage critical infrastructure. These developments have served as a basic framework for subsequent cyber norm discussions, including those at the OEWG. https://carnegieendowment.org/2021/05/19/un-struggles-to-make-progress-on-securing-cyberspace- pub-84491

SOFTWARE-DEFINED TACTICS AND GREAT POWER COMPETITION

MAY 19, 2021 GUEST AUTHOR LEAVE A COMMENT

By LT Sean Lavelle, USN There are two components to military competency: understanding and proficiency. To execute a task, like driving a ship, one must first understand the fundamentals and theory—the rules of navigation, how the weather impacts performance, how a ship’s various controls impact its movement. Understanding is stable and military personnel forget the fundamentals slowly. Learning those fundamentals, though, does not eliminate the need to practice. Failing to practice tasks like maneuvering the ship in congested waters or evaluating potential contacts of interest will quickly degrade operational proficiency.

In the coming decades, human understanding of warfighting concepts will still be paramount to battlefield success. Realistic initial training and high- end force-on-force exercises will be critical to building that understanding. However, warfighters cross-trained as software developers will make it far easier to retain proficiency without as much rote, expensive practice. Their parent units will train them to make basic applications, and they will use these skills to translate their hard-won combat understanding into a permanent proficiency available to anyone with the most recent software update.

These applications, called software-defined tactics, will alert tacticians to risk and opportunity on the battlefield, ensuring they can consistently hit the enemy’s weak points while minimizing their own vulnerabilities. They will speed force-wide learning by orders of magnitude, create uniformly high-performing units, and increase scalability of conventional forces. https://cimsec.org/software-defined-tactics-and-great-power-competition/

Apple criticised for storing data inside China

Published

However it said it had "never compromised the security" of either its customers or their data.

Apple said it was complying with Chinese law about the data storage of its nationals. However, one expert told the BBC it was effectively "handing over the keys" to the Chinese government by doing this.

China has long been accused of using technology to track its citizens and for the purpose of mass surveillance.

"I would have been uncomfortable a long time ago [using Apple products] if I were critical of the Chinese government," said Prof Michael Posner, a former Obama administration official, and director of the Centre for Business and Human Rights at New York University.

"I would have no confidence that there is any privacy in anything that I'm putting up on the cloud using an Apple product."

By housing the encrypted data in servers inside the country, Apple was "playing by Chinese rules", he added.

Apple said it complied with the laws of all the countries in which it has a presence. "We retain control of the encryption keys for our users' data, and every new data centre we build affords us the opportunity to use Apple's most cutting-edge hardware and security technologies to protect those keys," it said in a statement.

"In addition, we handle law enforcement requests in China through the appropriate legal process, just like we do everywhere else, and we regularly and transparently report the instances when we are compelled to provide user information." https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-57186275

Preference for brands causing delay in vax program

By Lade Jean Kabagani May 20, 2021, 7:41 pm

e GUARANTEED SAFE. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III administers the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine to 87-year-old dialysis patient Juana Ramos at the Medical Center on Thursday (May 13, 2021). Local government units are now prohibited from announcing what brands will be available. (PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler)

MANILA – Waiting for a preferred brand will delay the Covid-19 immunization program, thus City’s expression of support to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) order that local government units (LGUs) should no longer announce what brands will be used.

In a statement on Thursday, Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano appealed to Pasay residents to continue supporting the national vaccination program "to finally halt the Covid-19 pandemic".

"Ang paghihintay at pamimili po kasi sa bakuna ang nagiging dahilan kung bakit mabagal ang rollout at kung magpapatuloy ito ay matatagalan bago natin maabot ang herd immunity (Waiting and selecting vaccine brands are the reasons why the rollout is slowed down and achieving herd immunity will be delayed if this will continue)," she said.

Rubiano emphasized that all Covid-19 vaccines, regardless of brands, are safe and effective.

"Wala tayong dapat ipag-alala at ang mga ito po ay aprubado ng mga eksperto at siyentipiko mula sa ibang bansa (We don't have to worry because all of these are approved by the experts and scientists from different countries)," she said. “The best vaccine is the one that is available.”

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said LGUs should not announce the brand of vaccine to be used to overcome brand preference among vaccinees.

The city government has also started offering home service vaccination for bedridden senior citizens and those with comorbidities.

Pasay’s “Vacc to the Future: Home Service” will visit residents who want to be inoculated but cannot go to sites due to their vulnerabilities.

Those who wish to avail of the service may request for an appointment at their village health centers. (PNA) https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140990 India battles rash of "black fungus" cases hitting COVID-19 patients

Manas Mishra 3 minute read

A man suffering from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) receives treatment as a Syringe Infusion Pump, donated by France is seen next to his bed, inside the emergency room of Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi, India, May 7, 2021. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi

India has ordered tighter surveillance of a rare fungal disease hitting COVID- 19 patients, officials said on Thursday, piling pressure on hospitals struggling with the world's highest number of daily infections of the novel coronavirus. https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-battles-rash-black-fungus-cases-hitting-covid-19-patients- 2021-05-20/

A new coronavirus that usually infects canines is found in a pneumonia patient in Malaysia

• Report in the medical journal Clinical Infectious Diseases identifies case in 2018 among hospital patients in Sibu and Kapit • The study also features a new approach to detect viruses and to try to prevent them from evolving into ones that cause pandemics

A new type of coronavirus that could infect humans was confirmed in at least one pneumonia patient hospitalised in 2018 in the Malaysian state of Sarawak, a medical journal reports.

The virus was the first canine coronavirus to have been isolated in a human patient, according to a paper by an international team of scientists including those from the US, Malaysia and China published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases on Thursday. – – The virus was discovered in a project by researchers from Duke University and Malaysia studying causes of pneumonia and building viral detection capacity in Sarawak, according to Dr Gregory Gray, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Duke. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3134113/new-coronavirus-usually-infects-canines- found-pneumonia-patient

Mapping the Coronavirus Outbreak Across the World Updated: May 21, 2021, 3:20 PM GMT+8

Brazil 2,112 75,577 N/A N/A

U.K. 1,956 68,326 2,542.7 2.5

U.S. 1,782 100,091 1,312.8 2.8

France 1,602 88,434 N/A 6.0

Germany 1,085 45,331 722.5 8.0

Russia 813 34,647 917.0 8.1

India 222 19,848 238.7 0.5

Japan 95 5,620 98.6 13.1

Mainland China 3 65 N/A 4.3

Testing data as of May 17, 2021, 11:33 PM GMT+8 Sources: OECD for number of hospital beds (2016 for the U.S., 2017 for other countries), government agencies and the COVID Tracking Project via Our World in Data for testing data (various recent dates) (reported in the past 45 days) and the U.S. Census Bureau for population figures (2019).

The world is bracing for a new wave of Covid-19 infections, as the coronavirus pandemic has infected more than 165 million people and killed more than 3.4 millionglobally since late January 2020. Efforts many countries took to stamp out the pneumonia-like illness led to entire nations enforcing lockdowns, widespread halts of international travel, mass layoffs and battered financial markets. Recent attempts to revive social life and financial activities have resulted in another surge in cases and hospitalizations, though new drugs and improved care may help more people who get seriously ill survive. 01002003004001 yrDays since 100 confirmed cases1001,00010,000100,0001,000,00010,000,00030,000,000CasesMainland ChinaSouth KoreaJapanFranceSingaporeSpainU.K.Hong KongU.S.AustraliaBrazilIndiaRussiaTaiwanNew Zealand Note: JHU CSSE reporting began on January 22, 2020, when mainland China had already surpassed 500 cases. Source: Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering 165,555,850 Confirmed cases worldwide 3,430,955 Deaths worldwide Jurisdictions with cases confirmed as of May 21, 2021, 3:20 PM GMT+8

1–99

100–999

1,000–9,999

10,000–99,999

100,000–999,999

1,000,000–9,999,999 10 million or more Where deaths have occurred Deaths Cases U.S. 588,539 33,056,860 Brazil 444,094 15,894,094 India 291,331 26,031,991 Mexico 221,080 2,390,140 U.K. 127,963 4,471,065 Italy 124,810 4,178,261 Russia 115,393 4,917,906 France 108,343 5,979,099 Germany 87,144 3,640,687 Colombia 83,233 3,177,212 Spain 79,601 3,631,661 Iran 77,994 2,804,632 Where deaths have occurred Deaths Cases Argentina 72,699 3,447,044 Poland 72,500 2,861,351 Peru 67,253 1,910,360 Show more Note: Totals for , France, the Netherlands, the U.K., and the U.S. include overseas territories and other dependencies. Cases and deaths for cruise ships have been separated in accordance with JHU CSSE data.

The epicenter of the pandemic has continued to shift throughout the year, from China, then Europe, then the U.S., and now to developing countries like Brazil. Cases globally surpassed 10 million in late June, but ever since infections have been multiplying faster. The U.S. and India have the most infections, accounting for more than a third of all cases combined. https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2020-coronavirus-cases-world-map/?srnd=coronavirus

Covid map: Coronavirus cases, deaths, vaccinations by country By The Visual and Data Journalism Team BBC News

Covid-19 is continuing to spread around the world, with more than 160 million confirmed cases and three million deaths across nearly 200 countries.

The US, India and Brazil have seen the highest number of confirmed cases, followed by France, Turkey, Russia and the UK. Very few places have been left untouched.

In the table below, countries can be reordered by deaths, death rate and total cases. In the coloured bars on the right-hand side, countries in which cases have risen to more than 10,000 per day are those with black bars on the relevant date.

Scroll table to see more data *Deaths per 100,000 people Filter:

New Cases 0 10 100 1k 10k Country Deaths Death rate*Total Cases ** US 583,366 178.3 32,792,530 JAN 2020 MAY 2021 Brazil 435,751 208.0 15,627,243 India 274,390 20.3 24,965,463 Mexico 220,437 174.7 2,381,923 UK 127,679 190.2 4,450,777 Italy 124,156 204.8 4,159,122 New Cases 0 10 100 1k 10k Country Deaths Death rate*Total Cases ** Russia 113,927 78.2 4,883,734 France 107,616 165.6 5,877,787 Germany 86,166 103.7 3,602,939 Colombia 81,300 163.7 3,118,426 Spain 79,339 169.9 3,604,799 Iran 76,936 94.1 2,751,166 Poland 71,664 189.0 2,854,079 Argentina 70,522 159.0 3,307,285 Peru 66,220 207.0 1,889,052 South Africa 55,210 95.5 1,613,728 Ukraine 50,128 113.3 2,212,511 Indonesia 48,093 18.0 1,739,750 Turkey 44,760 54.4 5,117,374 Czech Republic 29,901 280.3 1,652,840 Romania 29,523 151.4 1,071,899 Hungary 29,175 300.5 798,147 Chile 27,832 148.6 1,286,548 Canada 24,904 67.2 1,335,782 Belgium 24,709 215.2 1,031,923 Ecuador 19,699 115.3 410,129 Pakistan 19,617 9.2 880,362 Philippines 19,191 18.0 1,143,963 Netherlands 17,466 102.4 1,599,761 Bulgaria 17,259 244.8 414,192 Portugal 17,007 165.8 842,182 Iraq 15,954 41.5 1,139,373 Egypt 14,327 14.6 245,721 Sweden 14,275 143.2 1,037,126 Bolivia 13,517 119.1 332,567 Slovakia 12,224 224.2 387,523 Bangladesh 12,149 7.5 780,159 Tunisia 11,849 102.5 326,572 Japan 11,471 9.0 685,135 11,415 108.5 377,090 Switzerland 10,731 125.9 679,510 Austria 10,474 117.8 637,097 Jordan 9,259 92.9 724,154 New Cases 0 10 100 1k 10k Country Deaths Death rate*Total Cases ** Morocco 9,098 25.3 514,944 Bosnia and 8,981 270.2 202,143 Herzegovina Guatemala 7,887 45.7 241,369 Croatia 7,708 185.4 350,390 Lebanon 7,620 111.1 535,753 Paraguay 7,596 109.2 313,527 Saudi Arabia 7,162 21.3 433,094 Serbia 6,681 95.7 706,458 Israel 6,382 76.1 839,119 Panama 6,296 150.7 370,877 Moldova 6,027 148.7 253,845 Honduras 5,960 62.2 226,719 North Macedonia 5,211 250.2 154,698 Nepal 5,001 17.8 455,020 Ireland 4,941 102.5 254,870 China 4,846 0.3 102,746 Azerbaijan 4,779 48.0 329,843 Georgia 4,442 111.0 330,375 Slovenia 4,324 208.1 249,310 Armenia 4,323 146.5 220,860 Lithuania 4,103 146.5 265,536 Ethiopia 3,996 3.7 266,264 Dominican Republic 3,582 33.7 277,188 Costa Rica 3,547 70.9 282,741 Uruguay 3,459 100.3 240,512 Palestinian Territories 3,428 70.5 303,827 Kazakhstan 3,400 18.6 414,345 Algeria 3,374 8.0 125,311 Myanmar 3,212 6.0 143,065 Libya 3,088 46.2 181,410 Kenya 3,003 5.8 165,465 Afghanistan 2,742 7.4 63,484 Belarus 2,701 28.6 376,341 Denmark 2,502 43.5 266,503 Sudan 2,446 5.9 34,889 Albania 2,432 84.4 132,015 New Cases 0 10 100 1k 10k Country Deaths Death rate*Total Cases ** Venezuela 2,396 8.3 215,301 Latvia 2,266 117.5 127,978 Kosovo 2,230 120.8 106,506 Oman 2,193 45.4 205,511 El Salvador 2,187 34.1 71,479 Nigeria 2,066 1.1 165,709 South Korea 1,903 3.7 132,290 Malaysia 1,902 6.0 470,110 Kyrgyzstan 1,711 27.1 100,732 Syria 1,698 10.0 23,738 Kuwait 1,693 40.9 291,629 1,631 16.9 546,182 Zimbabwe 1,582 11.0 38,560 Montenegro 1,561 248.6 98,852 Yemen 1,289 4.5 6,543 Zambia 1,260 7.3 92,436 Estonia 1,222 92.4 127,053 Malawi 1,153 6.4 34,214 Cameroon 1,152 4.6 74,946 Senegal 1,125 7.1 40,850 Sri Lanka 962 4.5 142,746 Finland 931 16.9 90,105 Australia 910 3.7 29,978 860 29.3 47,319 Mozambique 826 2.8 70,442 Luxembourg 806 133.4 68,922 Cuba 804 7.1 124,454 Ghana 783 2.6 93,243 DR Congo 776 0.9 30,562 Norway 774 14.5 119,299 Madagascar 763 2.9 40,141 Botswana 761 33.8 49,656 Somalia 753 5.0 14,486 Bahrain 746 47.5 200,977 Namibia 718 29.3 51,218 Eswatini 672 59.1 18,520 Uzbekistan 668 2.1 96,670 New Cases 0 10 100 1k 10k Country Deaths Death rate*Total Cases ** Angola 659 2.1 30,637 Thailand 614 0.9 111,082 Qatar 530 19.1 213,183 Mali 511 2.7 14,190 Mauritania 457 10.4 18,828 417 94.9 30,480 Uganda 347 0.8 42,779 346 29.1 71,064 Rwanda 344 2.8 26,141 Guyana 341 43.8 15,271 Belize 323 84.3 12,714 Lesotho 320 15.2 10,790 Ivory Coast 298 1.2 46,656 Trinidad and Tobago 285 20.5 16,255 Haiti 271 2.4 13,393 Cape Verde 249 45.8 28,168 Guadeloupe 236 59.0 15,429 Suriname 228 39.6 11,950 Bahamas 216 56.0 11,024 Mongolia 214 6.8 49,175 Niger 192 0.9 5,333 Nicaragua 184 2.8 7,086 Gambia 175 7.7 5,940 Chad 173 1.1 4,904 Mayotte 171 65.9 20,176 Réunion 169 19.1 22,644 Burkina Faso 164 0.8 13,397 Cambodia 154 0.9 22,544 Guinea 151 1.2 22,746 Djibouti 151 15.7 11,434 Congo 148 2.8 11,343 Comoros 146 17.5 3,863 Gabon 143 6.7 23,799 French Polynesia 141 50.8 18,815 Papua New Guinea 136 1.6 13,707 Andorra 127 164.9 13,510 Togo 125 1.6 13,275 New Cases 0 10 100 1k 10k Country Deaths Death rate*Total Cases ** Curaçao 120 73.7 12,254 South Sudan 115 1.0 10,652 Equatorial Guinea 112 8.6 7,694 French Guiana 108 38.2 21,465 Aruba 104 98.3 10,854 Benin 101 0.9 7,995 Maldives 97 18.8 44,523 Central African 95 2.0 6,866 Republic Gibraltar 94 278.8 4,286 Tajikistan 90 1.0 13,308 San Marino 90 266.4 5,083 Martinique 87 23.2 11,490 Channel Islands 86 50.4 4,057 85 1.8 2,114 Sierra Leone 79 1.0 4,107 Saint Lucia 75 41.2 4,818 Guinea-Bissau 67 3.6 3,746 Liechtenstein 58 153.0 2,985 Barbados 46 16.0 3,967 Vietnam 37 0.0 4,212 Sao Tome and Principe 35 16.6 2,327 Antigua and Barbuda 33 34.3 1,241 Seychelles 32 33.0 9,184 Monaco 32 82.7 2,493 Bermuda 32 51.0 2,466 Singapore 31 0.5 61,585 Iceland 29 8.6 6,537 Isle of Man 29 34.5 1,590 Saint Martin 27 72.5 2,282 New Zealand 26 0.5 2,651 Tanzania 21 0.0 509 Turks and Caicos 17 45.1 2,404 Islands Mauritius 17 1.3 1,282 Diamond Princess 13 712 cruise ship New Cases 0 10 100 1k 10k Country Deaths Death rate*Total Cases ** Eritrea 12 0.3 3,844 St Vincent and the 12 10.9 1,937 Grenadines Taiwan 12 0.1 1,682 Timor-Leste 10 0.8 4,458 Burundi 6 0.1 4,329 Fiji 4 0.5 172 Brunei 3 0.7 232 Laos 2 0.0 1,591 Cayman Islands 2 3.1 565 MS Zaandam cruise 2 9 ship Bhutan 1 0.1 1,286 Saint Barthelemy 1 10.2 974 Faroe Islands 1 2.1 670 British Virgin Islands 1 3.4 248 Grenada 1 0.9 161 Montserrat 1 20.0 20 Vanuatu 1 0.3 4 Dominica 0 0.0 178 New Caledonia 0 0.0 124 Anguilla 0 0.0 109 Falkland Islands 0 0.0 63 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0 0.0 45 Greenland 0 0.0 31 Vatican 0 0.0 27 Saint Pierre and 0 0.0 25 Miquelon Solomon Islands 0 0.0 20 0 0.0 4 Samoa 0 0.0 3 Micronesia 0 0.0 1 Show more

Note: The map, table and animated bar chart in this page use a different source for figures for France and the UK from that used by Johns Hopkins University, which results in a slightly lower overall total. US figures do not include Puerto Rico, Guam or the US Virgin Islands.

Confirmed cases have been rising steeply since the middle of last year, but the true extent of the first outbreaks in 2020 is unclear because testing was not then widely available. The 100 millionth Covid case was recorded at the end of January - about a year after the first officially diagnosed case of the virus.

Deaths have also been rising, however official figures may not fully reflect the true number in many countries. Data on excess deaths, a measure of how many more people are dying than would be expected based on the previous few years, may give a better indication of the actual numbers in many cases.

Who has vaccinated the most? Several coronavirus vaccines have been approved for use, either by individual countries or groups of countries, such as the European Union and the World Health Organization (WHO). Of the 189 countries and territories administering vaccines and publishing rollout data, 66 are high-income nations, 100 are middle-income and 23 low-income. The map below, using figures collated by Our World in Data - a collaboration between Oxford University and an educational charity - shows the total number of doses given per 100 people, mostly first doses. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-51235105

Dealing with Beijing’s maritime projection

Published 2 days ago on May 20, 2021 03:20 AM By Concept News Central

With Philippine officials playing the blaming game and pointing fingers at one another, China must be rolling on the floor laughing. Millennials abbreviate this term as ROFL.

In the first place, it doesn’t even have to lift a finger for it to grab critical islands, shoals and reefs as alleged by rival claimants in the disputed South China Sea. It only has to project its maritime superiority and things would be relatively easy against a scared neighborhood.

Beijing, as we very well know, uses a very potent state-backed maritime militia to pursue its political, economic and military goals in the region. These supposed fishing boats have been accused of harassing vessels from other nations around the disputed waters, reportedly part of Beijing’s “gray zone” tactics to defend its interests without having to wage a conventional war.

According to a 2018 report by the Vietnam Institute for Economic and Policy Research, China has the biggest maritime militia of any country in the world, consisting of an estimated 370,000 non-motorized boats and 762,000 motorized vessels.

It is officially known as the People’s Armed Forces Maritime Militia, allegedly funded by the government and operates in the South China Sea without clear identification. The armed fishing fleet is part of Beijing’s power projection and, according to studies, is deployed to seize territory and target anyone who challenges its claims.

These irregular forces reside under the direct command and control of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and play an important role in “establishing a de facto Chinese operating presence in disputed areas.” Their operations are designed to “win without fighting” by “overwhelming the adversary with swarms of fishing vessels usually bolstered by the Chinese coast guard and possibly PLA Navy ships,” the report, published last year, said.

Beijing, in several pronouncements, does not acknowledge its existence explicitly, allowing it to deny any role in their actions. The Pentagon says, however, that it will treat the maritime militia as de facto military vessels.

Although it is very difficult to prove that several incidents in the past have been initiated by these maritime militia, it has been alleged that Chinese fishing boats rammed the Japanese destroyer Shimakaze March last year while its coast guard reportedly sank a Vietnamese fishing boat with eight fishers on board the following month.

More than 10 Chinese fishing boats were likewise reported to have rammed a Taiwanese coast guard vessel last year while a Filipino fishing boat, parked in the disputed Reed Bank, was allegedly slammed by another Chinese vessel before fleeing and leaving its crew of 22 at the mercy of the open sea.

In 2019 and just recently, these little-known fishing vessels have swarmed a Philippine- occupied island and scattered around the country’s exclusive economic zone when told to leave. The Philippine military has monitored over 200 such ships, which international naval experts say do more than just fishing.

These incursions only bolster the assertion that China’s neighbors ought to put up a unified stand that would show Beijing it cannot simply throw its weight around.

Southeast Asian countries have likewise accelerated the adoption of a Code of Conduct to govern behavior by claimant countries in the disputed waters.

It could also probably do well for other claimant countries like the Philippines to ramp up reconnaissance patrols in their respective economic zones to prevent China’s so-called third force from conducting its guerilla warfare at sea.

No less than China’s official military newspaper, the PLA Daily, put things more bluntly when it said, “Putting on camouflage, they qualify as soldiers; taking off the camouflage, they become law-abiding fishermen.” https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/05/20/dealing-with-beijings-maritime-projection/

A single voice on sea dispute

By Rene Saguisag

May 21, 2021 340 LEILA de Lima and I may have been the first Bedans to differ openly with the new president, our fellow Bedan, on human rights.

Now, the gap may have widened on the issue of the West Philippine Sea, which we own and should keep and exploit.

To say that the President would jet-ski to the area and plant the Philippine flag might have been hyper- bola and so understood and forgiven, but it could not be good if Prez Duterte would be known as the president who'd go down in history to have lost the valuable territory because what he says seems music to the Chinese. Not a sour note.

Prudential command or rhetoric, as understood or misunderstood, has a powerful effect on human conduct. Or leading in singing, "let me call you sweetheart,"

On the viral statement last Sunday of scores of low-profile fellow Bedans chiding the Prez for dividing us on the West Philippine Sea issue I hadn't been assailed because of the negligible weight my mere signature would have carried, along with Leila's. But, it is more telling when low-profile personalities in the Bedan community are disturbed by what the Prez says and does or fails to say or do. Foreign Secretary Ted Locsin and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana are alter egos of the Prez, but legal counsel Sal Panelo butts in and says, "This is what the Prez really meant to say."

So, we are all confused and plead for a clarification. https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/05/21/opinion/columns/a-single-voice-on-sea-dispute/1800033

China does not possess the WPS

By: Antonio T. Carpio - @inquirerdotnet

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:08 AM May 20, 2021

President Duterte’s mantra is “China is in possession of the West Philippine Sea 2018 Asean-India Summit in Singapore, his July 2019 and 2020 State of the Nation (WPS).” The President made this declaration on several occasions: the November Addresses, and his late night TV addresses on April 19, 2021 and April 29, 2021.

President Xi Jinping, who has promised to protect President Duterte from mutinies The reason for this extraordinary concession is the President’s professed love for by the Philippine military. Ironically, President Xi is the acknowledged architect of

UnderChina’s Administrative invasion of the Order WPS. No. 29 dated Sept. 5, 2012 (AO29), the WPS refers to areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago are hereby named as the a vast body of water facing the South China Sea. AO29 provides: “The maritime West Philippine Sea. These areas include the Luzon Sea as well as the waters around, within and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo De Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Sh sea and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) measured from our archipelagic baselines, oal.” The WPS includes the Philippines’ territorial a maritime area larger than the total land area of the Philippines.

ions on Philippine national interest. First, the President is even conceding that China is in possession of our territorial The President’s mantra has grave ramificat -dash line does not overlap our territorial sea measured from our archipelagic baselines. sea in the WPS. China does not claim our territorial sea because China’s nine The President is generously giving to China far more than what China wants.

Second, the WPS includes our entire EEZ facing the South China Sea. The Arbitral Award of July 12, 2016 affirmed that the Philippines has an EEZ facing the South -dash line. The Philippines has exclusive right to exploit all the living and non-living resources in this EEZ all the fish, oil, China Sea unimpaired by China’s nine gas, and other mineral resources found in this EEZ. By conceding to China — possession of the WPS, the President is sending a message to Filipino fishermen that it is not safe to fish in the WPS because another state with a powerful navy is already in possession of the WPS. Since the President has allowed Chinese fishermen to fish in the WPS, the Chinese fishermen, with their huge trawlers in the hundreds, practically have the WPS all to themselves. Filipinos now import expensive galunggong from China, whose fishermen scoop the galunggong from what under international law is our exclusive fishing grounds in the WPS.

https://opinion.inquirer.net/140405/china-does-not-possess-the-wps

JPE wrong person to back WPS tack

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:01 AM May 21, 2021

One of the architects of martial law, which saw many human rights violations. A

A man who is facing a plunder case for his role in the Priority Development liar who connived with the dictator Ferdinand Marcos in fabricating his “ambush.” Assistance Fund scam. That is the person President Duterte consulted to defend his docile policy toward China in the West Philippine Sea.

If the President thought former senator Juan Ponce Enrile sitting beside him would bolster his slavish policy, then he chose the wrong person.

https://opinion.inquirer.net/140429/jpe-wrong-person-to-%e2%80%8dback-wps-tack

Noy fails, America wins Enrile said until now he can’t find an answer on why the supposed mediator left the Philippines out in the cold. Published 2 days ago on May 20, 2021 03:25 AM By TEB

There were pieces of the puzzle missing in the pivotal withdrawal of Philippine vessels during the term of former President Noynoy Aquino that led to China holding sway over Scarborough Shoal in 2012.

The shoal under the Permanent Court Arbitration ruling in 2016 was declared a common fishing ground, stating that fishermen of both the Philippines and China have traditional rights and should have access to the area.

Filipino fishers, nonetheless, have been repeatedly harassed ever since the Philippines blinked in the standoff and pulled out its ships, but their access to the shoal improved greatly after President Rodrigo Duterte embarked on winning back China’s trust, which was lost as a result of the belligerent stance of Aquino.

Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, who wanted to come up with an accurate chronology of events toward the end of the stalemate as a result of the Philippine ships returning to port, asked who sought help from the Americans.

In the intervening period, putschist Antonio Trillanes IV demanded Enrile to check his facts since the former senator is now being pointed to as key to the bungling of the withdrawal process that was revealed to have been brokered by the United States.

The exchange of statements provided a rough outline of what really happened.

In the Brady notes that Enrile revealed during a confrontation with Trillanes when both were members of the Senate, Trillanes had a leading hand in drafting the process toward the eventual disengagement in the standoff as Aquino’s backdoor negotiator. Former US Ambassador Jose Cuisia and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario then sought American pressure for China to agree to the terms of withdrawal.

In Cuisia’s own words during a remote interview, he admitted approaching the US, but he claimed that the initial suggestion was for only the Philippines to withdraw to avoid a naval skirmish.

“The US’ suggestion was for us to withdraw, but I told them I cannot make that recommendation. What I recommended was a simultaneous withdrawal. The US talked to the Chinese ambassador, and China agreed,” he narrated.

Cuisia, however, said China reneged on the deal and the US did not do anything about it.

A key admission of the former official was that the botched agreement was brokered by then US Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell.

“We set a time and date of such withdrawal. On 15 June (2012), we withdrew. Two hours later, then-Foreign Affairs Secretary Del Rosario called me saying China did not withdraw as reported by our Philippine Navy. That is the problem. China did not withdraw,” he admitted.

It is noteworthy then that it was the back channel, Trillanes, who was in close coordination with the Chinese regarding the pullout of their ships.

Cuisia then relayed the message to US officials who advised “the Philippine side to give China more time.”

“I said okay but they should withdraw within the day,” Cuisia claimed to have said.

China stayed and the next morning, Cuisia, instead of demanding action from the US, brought the situation to “all ASEAN ambassadors.”

“And they can all confirm that China agreed to such an agreement,” Cuisia added.

Instead of withdrawing, China increased its presence in the area to 77 large vessels.

Enrile then brought up a crucial question: Why did the Americans fail to confront China when it became obvious that it had no intention to stick to the agreement?

“The impression it gave me was that we were used in that particular situation to protect the interest of the United States,” he explained.

Enrile said until now he can’t find an answer on why the supposed mediator left the Philippines out in the cold. It was during that time that the administration of President Barack Obama was implementing its East Asia rebalancing policy to contain China.

Shortly thereafter, the Americans pushed for a prolonged presence in the country, which was a privilege stripped from it after the 1992 termination of the Military Bases Agreement.

In 2014, President Aquino signed the executive pact called Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement that allowed American equipment and troops to be rotated in Philippine military camps. Go figure. https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/05/20/noy-fails-america-wins/

Impostor nonpareil

Statements made by various officials regarding the incident indicated that the United States brokered a de-escalation plan of the two-month standoff in which both Philippine and Chinese ships would withdraw. Published 14 hours ago on May 21, 2021 03:35 AM By TEB There were a lot of holes in the alibis and excuses which when summed up further indicts destabilizer Antonio Trillanes IV in the 2012 blunder that resulted to the Chinese occupation of Scarborough Shoal, a feature within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone. (EEZ).

His version of the event had Trillanes raising the point Sonia Brady who drafted the notes which former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile read in a September 2012 faceoff, was not yet performing as ambassador during the order for Philippine vessels to pull out of the area of the standoff with Chinese vessels.

In 16 June 2012, former President Noynoy Aquino on the pretext of bad weather ordered a Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessel and a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) survey ship to sail home leaving China in control of Scarborough Shoal.

Statements made by various officials regarding the incident indicated that the United States brokered a de-escalation plan of the two-month standoff in which both Philippine and Chinese ships would withdraw.

“When I retire, I can probably tell the world that this is my biggest accomplishment in my political life,” Trillanes said of his backchannel escapade under Aquino.

His faux pas was indeed unforgettable since the Philippines squandered a rich fishing ground that deprived Filipinos depending on the shoal of livelihood. It was only after President Rodrigo Duterte mended relations with China that Filipino fishermen were able to return to Scarborough.

Given Trillanes’ claim that Brady was “never present at any backchannel meeting from May to July” merely proved that the then senator had blanket authority over the dealings with China as a de facto envoy.

“Upon her arrival, at the first instance, I briefed her on the whole talks at the Philippine Embassy with no Chinese present. That was the only time I met her. After that briefing, I concluded the backchannel talks,” which was then August or two months after Aquino ordered the pullout of the ships from the shoal. Enrile, as a guest during the “Talk to the People” program of the President and his Cabinet, recounted the crucial meeting at Malacañang that proved the divisive streak of Trillanes.

In the meeting presided by Aquino to discuss the maritime stalemate, Enrile said Trillanes kept whispering to him “treason, treason” which the Senate President asked his colleague what he meant.

Then Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario then started the meeting on what has been transpiring at Scarborough Shoal then.

It was then that Trillanes revealed that he went to China to meet with key officials to discuss the deadlock.

Enrile then asked Trillanes from whose authority did he meet the Chinese, which Aquino replied that he gave the order to the putschist.

To that, Enrile warned Aquino that extra care must be taken on the issue since it was not known who Trillanes have met.

Del Rosario then passed to Enrile a letter of Ambassador Sonia Brady saying that he was being bypassed by Trillanes in his back-channel meetings.

It later turned out that Enrile was ignored by Aquino and the advice of Trillanes, who has a zero success record to his credit in any undertaking, be it a coup d’etat or Vice Presidential run, was followed.

The plan failed as expected and China never left Scarborough Shoal and the West Philippine Sea.

https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/05/21/impostor-nonpareil/

Correcting injustice

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:08 AM May 21, 2021

In a fresh pushback against government abuse and overreach, the provincial prosecutor last week dismissed the complaints lodged against the so- least 19 minors and training them to be called “Bakwit School 7,” who were arrested Feb. 15 for allegedly recruiting at group. “child warriors” for a communist rebel the alleged crimes of kidnapping and serious illegal detention, human trafficking, Declared the ruling: “It appears that there is insufficient evidence to support any of nd ordered the release of two Bakwit school teachers, three adult students, and two lumad elders. The seven and child abuse.” The decision cleared a

of San were among the 26 people rounded up in what police had called a “rescue operation” of lumad minors from a retreat house inside the University school, a learning center for refugees who had fled increasing militarization in Carlos (USC) Talamban campus, Cebu, which had been turned into a “bakwit” their communities in .

“Not a single witness” was produced to support the police allegations, according to arrested, supposedly indoctrinated the minors in communist ideology. the prosecutor’s resolution. Neither could police identify who, among those The latest judicial slap in its face is not, however, deterring the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. On Wednesday, it said it would file a motion for reconsideration on the dismissed charges, and was preparing a new complaint for alleged violations of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act against the Bakwit School 7.

The continuing harassment and intimidation of citizens already cleared by the government prosecutor should prompt lawmakers to make good on their announced plan to look into the case to demand accountability from the police. Party-list congressman Michael Romero said he was pushing for a probe into police methods of using warrantless arrests and baseless charges to seemingly, as

he put it, “merely get an accomplishment report or promotion at the expense of Aanybody, number even of courts innocent have Filipino correspondingly lives.” stepped in to try to thwart such brazen police misconduct. In February, the Regional Trial Court Branch 209 ordered the release of journalist Lady Ann Salem and trade unionist Rodrigo Esparago, a month after the illegal firearms and explosives case against them was dismissed. The grounds for dismissal? False testimonies by the police officers and inconsistencies in the affidavit of the informant.

In May last year, the 10 volunteers (aka the Marikina 10) who were arrested for supposedly breaking quarantine protocols while conducting a feeding program were released after the prosecutor found the evidence on alleged illegal assembly and violation of other laws insufficient. Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro himself h permission to conduct relief operations, which is part of the humanitarian aid that ad refuted the police allegations: “Those involved had asked our

Inwe Zambales, give the community.” the acting provincial prosecutor also dismissed the complaint of inciting to sedition that was refiled by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against public school teacher Ronnel Mas, who was arrested in 2020 over his social media post offering a P50-million bounty on President Duterte (a joke, protested Mas). The cas failed to secure a witness to prove that it was indeed Mas who posted the tweet. e was thrown out for “lack of probable cause” after the NBI

ctronic Evidence. Further evidence of the The prosecutor also said the social media post was not “authenticated and sloppy casework: The NBI had refiled the case after it was junked by the Olongapo verified” as required by the Rules on Ele City Regional Trial Court Branch 72 because the warrantless arrest used against the teacher was invalid.

The latest case highlighting arbitrary, gravely damaging police work involves a sari-sari store owner, Lamberto Asinas, who languished in jail for a year on allegations that he harbored firearms and was a communist official. In its ruling released last Wednesday, the Nasugbu, Batangas Regional Trial Court quashed the evidence. A barangay certification also showed that the police informant, who warrant used in Asinas’ arrest and dismissed the case due to inadmissible

claimed to be Asinas’ neighbor, was not from his neighborhood. https://opinion.inquirer.net/140443/correcting-injustice

Coup d'oeil in waging political war By Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade

May 21, 2021 1340

WAR is costly but a protracted insurgency war is even more so. The armed forces and the police are spending billions year in and year out in sustaining a fight that seems to have no end. We have lost more than 13,000 soldiers and policemen in the past 52 years, yet we have been accused of simply "managing the conflict" and not ending it completely in order for us to benefit from the billions that the taxpayers spend for the war kitty.

Let me give it to you straight. If there is anybody who wants to see the end of this insurgency, it is we, your soldiers. We don't want more soldiers to die out there. We don't want to see more orphans from this useless war being waged by Jose Ma Sison and his ilk in the Kamatayan (Makabayan) bloc. We want to go home to our families. We want to go back to our barracks so we can prepare, train and fight instead the bigger wars, which may be launched by non-Filipinos. We are tired of fighting our own countrymen. It is pointless.

But no, we can't. Just as the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict

(NTF-Elcac) is about to lick this "war of the running dogs" (to use Noel Barber's term), suddenly some smart people are telling us what to do. Go back to the Army and do your fighting there (as if I left, and isn't this charlatanism if not neo-Hegelian thinking?). They would tell me to shut up, stop red-tagging, stop our Barangay Development Program, stop our arrogance, just stop. Or they will take hostage our budget for next year.

Makes you wonder where this hubris is coming from. And then I realized. Thirty-seven years of fighting this kind of war has helped me develop a kind of strategic intuition. Napoleon Bonaparte was widely known for using it extensively as he conquered half the globe. He kept his boots on the ground, felt the breeze, and smelled the smoke. Then he is able to sense the battlefield. Coup d'oeil. Swivel chair generals, politicians and even Joma, know nothing about it. https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/05/21/opinion/columns/coup-doeil-in-waging-political- war/1800024

Rizal: Unimpressed by the US

By: Ambeth R. Ocampo - @inquirerdotnet

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:04 AM May 21, 2021

While we do not lack for primary source materials on the Philippines from the 16th to the 18th centuries, almost

isall able of these to turn were this written given biasby foreigners, around on leaving its head us to witho teaseut out an from insider’s within account. the silences Nevertheless, of the pages, the sharp or wh hisat torianthe

late William Henry Scott called “cracks in the parchment curtain,” the Filipino voice in history. Many years ago, I compiled travel accounts of Europe and the United States by Filipinos for a yet unpublished

bookthe 1521 called Battle “The of Empire Mactan, Strikes Lapulapu Back.” had Can a chronicler you imagin whosee if, aside account from gives Antonio our Pigafetta’sside of the eyewitnessstory? account of

Whenthat he I wrotewas reading the least Jose about Rizal’s his letters 19-day from trip abroadthrough an thed collating United States these of with America. his many That travel trip is diaries, not ver I ynotic welled known. He studied medicine in Madrid and did further training in ophthalmology in Heidelberg and Paris. He

published “Noli me tangere” (1887) in Berlin, a profusely annotated edition (1891) of in Antonio Ghent. deThe Morga’s inspiration 1609 of many “SucesosFilipino seamen de las islas and Filipinas”junketing (1890)politicians in Paris, who andhave “E wl omenFilibusterismo” in every port, Rizal had love interests in Madrid, London, Tokyo, Paris, and Brussels.

Traveling by sea, he made stopovers in cities not in the usual tourist routes today. In each place, Rizal took detailed notes and sometimes drew what he saw and experienced, his jottings made relevant because he often compared the foreign place unfairly with the Philippines, particularly places back home painted in the soft light of nostalgia and the glow of homesickness.

Before writing this column, I plotted on a Google map the places he mentioned in his US diary, starting with his arrival in San Francisco, California from Yokohama on April 28, 1888, to his departure from New York for Liverpool on May 16, 1888. It was quite taking an airplane. a journey then, and I hope to follow Rizal’s route someday without

After two days at the Palace Hotel, San Francisco (May 4-5, 1888), Rizal traveled to Oakland on May 6, took the train ferry from Port Costa to Benicia, had dinner in Sacramento, and slept on the train. He had breakfast in Reno, Nevada on May 7, and was in Ogden, Utah by May 8 to change trains. He saw young Mormon men in Farmington, Utah, and proceeded to Salt Lake City and Provo, noting in his diaries that there were more women in Utah than men, judging from restaurant tables in that state that were served more by waitresses than waiters.

I wonder what train sleepers were like in his day, because Rizal woke up in Colorado on May 9 noting with

annoyance that “the porter of the Pullman car, an American, was somewhat of a thief.” In Colorado, the clock was adjustedat dawn of by May an hour, 10 in andNebraska, he noticed and thatby 4 thep.m. place was hain dOmah “morea. Ttrees than the three states we passed.” He woke up he Missouri River he estimated at “about twice the Pasig in its widest part.” He woke up on May 11 in Chicago, Illinois where he strolled aroundand the always city be fore his evening departure. In Chicago, he noted that “every tobacco shop had a statue of an Indian different.” Stopping at Ontario on May 12, he saw Niagara Falls from the Canadian side. Standing at the foot of the majestic

fallsgigantic led him to say: “Though not as pretty nor as mysteriously beautiful as that in Los Baños… it is much more and imposing that no comparison is possible.” His train departed that night, and he woke up on May 13 in Albany, New York. Then he passed the Hudsonin New River York “ whoseCity where banks he are stayed beautiful in the although Fifth Avenue a little Ho lonelytel on in May comparison14 and 15, before with thecatching Pasig,” the finally second arriving largest ocean liner at the time, City of Rome, for Liverpool.

It is not surprising that Rizal was unimpressed by America. He was an old soul with a cosmopolitan mindset, a man who matured and was formed by education and travel through Europe. Even New York failed to amaze

him, “because there, everything is new.” https://opinion.inquirer.net/140435/rizal-unimpressed-by-the-us

Biden’s Israel Problem

May 20, 2021FAWAZ A. GERGES Despite new voices in the Democratic Party and within American Jewry, US foreign-policy circles are still wedded to an Israel-knows-best approach to the Middle East. Until that changes, the tail will continue to wag the dog, ruling out a durable, sustainable, and just peace in the Holy Land, and undermining US interests in the region.

LONDON When asked whether he would insist on a ceasefire after the escalation in violence between Israel and Hamas, US President Joe Biden said that he would speak to – alarmingIsraeli Prime albeit Minister not new Binyamin questions Netanyahu about “inthe an nature hour, of and the I’ll US-Israel be able relationship.to talk to you after that.” Far from a Biden gaffe, the president’s apparent deference to Netanyahu raises – – Given the asymmetry of power between the two, one would expect the United States, as the superpowerIsrael is what that scholars furnishes of international Israel with $3.8relations billion would per year call in“the military tail that aid, wags to lay the out dog.” the ground rules for their relati .

Since the 1980s, the US foreign-policyons. Yet in consensusIsrael’s case, has the been reverse that Israelis true knows best how to preserve its security, and that unequivocal US support, not pressure, would induce it to take the risks necessary for peace. Hence, US presidents often defer to their Israeli counterparts on questions of war and peace in the Middle East, even though vital American interests are at stake there. Yet far from giving the US leverage over Israel or advancing the prospects of peace, this approach to the bilateral relationship has ultimately been detrimental to both countries.

Netanyahu knows all too well how to influence US politics, particularly when violent conflict erupts. He has long exploited the fact that the US inevitably r to self- crisis. This time, too, US officials, regardless of party affiliation, have tendedeiterates to Israel’s shy away “right defense” without taking into accounte Israeli in sabotaging leaders’ reconciliationresponsibility between for triggering a Palestinians and Israelis, disenfranchising Palestinian citizens of Israel, and empowering from acknowledging Netanyahu’s direct rol .

Bidenhis country’s knows mostNetanyahu extremist well, and having xenophobic dealt with forces him first as a senator and then as vice president for eight years in the Obama administration. In 2011, Netanyahu publicly humiliated Americ lecturing to him about US policy and Israeli security live on American television from the Oval Office. Worse, he later colluded witha’s congressional first black president, Republicans Biden’s to try former to kill boss,the 2015 by nuclear deal with Iran. amounts to a green light for Israel to continue its military campaign against Hamas. Three timesOverlooking since the Netanyahu’s current crisis long began, record the of USmischief, has blocked Biden’s UN stance Security in the Council current statements conflict calling for an immediate ceasefire, leading UN diplomats to conclude that the Biden administration wants to keep that body silent .

Moreover, on May 17, just as the violence“ in Gaza” in was the intensifying,matter The Washington Post reported that Biden had approved the -guided administration to push for a ceasefire and takesale aof more $735 active million role in in“precision addressing the root causesweapons” of the to Israel,conflict. raising For obvious red flags reasons, for House the Democratsescalation ofwho bloodshed have been will calling have onfar- the reaching consequences not just for civilians in Gaza but also for regional peace and security more broadly.

The following day, after coming under increasing pressure at home and abroad, and after speaking with Netanyahu, Biden issued a statement expressing support for a ceasefire. But Netanyahu has made it clear that he is not ready to end the airstrikes on Gaza, and the White House remains seemingly unwilling to persuade him otherwise as long as Hamas is still indiscriminately firing rockets into Israel.

Clearly, Biden belongs to the generation of US officials who cling to the hoary vision of Israel as a shining democracy in a sea of Arab and Muslim autocracy. Biden and likeminded systemic abuses and crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories and within Israel. RecentDemocratic reports and Republican leaders are willfully oblivious to evidence of Israeli authorities’ make a compelling case that Israel is now an apartheid by the main Israeli human rights group, B’Tselem, and Human Rights Watch https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/israel-netanyahu-wag-the-“ ” state, not usa democracy.-dog-by-fawaz-a-gerges- 2021-05

Commentary: Hasty U.S. withdrawal to create security black hole in Afghanistan (Xinhua) 17:17, May 19, 2021

Photo taken on May 4, 2021 shows the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

At the moment, a sudden U.S. withdrawal would only exacerbate the country's ongoing security crisis, as it would be a chance for terrorist groups and various political forces to fill the vacuum and stoke more unrest.

KABUL, May 19 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden's decision to bring home all U.S. troops from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, as an attempt to irresponsibly pull the United States out of the quagmire of war, will create a security black hole and aggravate the already heavy scourge suffered by the country. The abrupt announcement by the United States of a complete troop exit has deteriorated the security situation in the conflict-battered country, causing mounting militant attacks and ensuing civilian casualties. Since the start of the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces on May 1, the Taliban militants have stepped up activities. Moreover last week, three consecutive explosions outside a secondary school for girls in western Kabul killed at least 50 people and injured over 100 others.

It was during the Cold War that the U.S. helped sow the seeds of unrest in the country by funding and arming militants to fight the then Soviet Union. Over the following decades, Afghanistan has developed a malignant tumor of terrorism, and gradually descended into a hotbed of international terrorism and extremism

http://en.people.cn/n3/2021/0519/c90000-9851836.html