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South China Morning Post
23-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
US warship's New Zealand visit a sign of ‘deep ties' amid Trump-era uncertainty
The recent arrival of a US warship in New Zealand is likely a result of improved security relations under past administrations that could be jeopardised by Donald Trump's return to the White House, according to observers. The USS Blue Ridge arrived in Wellington Harbour last Friday on a goodwill visit, marking the first visit by an American naval vessel to the city since 2021. During the visit, which ended on Thursday, US Navy officials are said to have met their local counterparts to discuss ways of improving operational readiness and advancing future military capabilities, according to New Zealand media. The last US Navy vessels to visit were the guided-missile destroyers USS Howard in 2021 and USS Sampson in 2016. The 200-metre (660-foot) Blue Ridge – flagship of the Japan-based Seventh Fleet – departed Yokosuka Naval Base on April 3 and has visited Australia, Fiji and New Caledonia, American military newspaper Stars and Stripes reported. The USS Blue Ridge in Wellington, New Zealand, on Wednesday. Photo: Facebook/Ship Spotters New Zealand Vice-admiral Fred Kacher, commander of the fleet, said the visit spoke to the 'deep ties' between Washington and Wellington. 'Our partnership is rooted in our common values and respect, and our visit here represents an important opportunity for us to further strengthen the bond between our nations and our navies.'
Newsweek
22-05-2025
- General
- Newsweek
US and Russia Flex Military Muscles on Same Stage
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States and Russia have deployed their air and naval assets to Malaysia for a defense exhibition as Washington and Moscow jostle for influence in Southeast Asia. Newsweek has contacted the Pentagon and the Russian Defense Ministry for comment via email. Why It Matters The encounter in Malaysia marked the second time this year that U.S. and Russian militaries have shared the same stage at a defense-related event in Asia. Stealth fighter jets from both nations—the F-35A and the Su-57E—also participated in an air show in India in February. Southeast Asian nations have carefully navigated the rivalries between major powers, including China, amid the great power competition. For the U.S., the region is a key component of its Indo-Pacific strategy, while Russia seeks to assert its influence as it remains engaged in a war in Europe. A United States Air Force C-130J transport aircraft sitting on the flight line during an opening ceremony flyover at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition in Malaysia on May 20. A United States Air Force C-130J transport aircraft sitting on the flight line during an opening ceremony flyover at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition in Malaysia on May 20. Senior Airman Alexzandra Gracey/U.S. Air Force What To Know The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition was held from Tuesday to Saturday on Langkawi Island in the Strait of Malacca off the northwestern coast of Malaysia. The biennial event featured 102 aircraft and 35 naval ships from different nations. The U.S. military deployed two F/A-18E fighter jets, a C-130J transport aircraft, an MH-60R helicopter, the destroyer USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee and more than 400 personnel to the event, showing the shared commitment of the U.S. and Malaysia to "a free and open Indo-Pacific." Meanwhile, photos show the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, which was previously tracked transiting the Strait of Malacca en route to the Indian Ocean, docked at Port Klang—near Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur—on Wednesday, with the destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur. "Malaysia continues to be a key partner for us in the Indo-Pacific," said Vice Admiral Fred Kacher, the commander of the U.S. Seventh Fleet. He said his command had strengthened close naval cooperation with Malaysia through numerous joint exercises and exchanges. Russia sent two Pacific Fleet corvettes—the Rezky and the Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov—to Langkawi Island on Monday, while the country's aerobatic team, the Russian Knights, performed at the exhibition's opening ceremony the following day. Fighter jets of the Russian Knights aerobatic team performing in the sky during an aerial demonstration at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition in Malaysia on May 20. Fighter jets of the Russian Knights aerobatic team performing in the sky during an aerial demonstration at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition in Malaysia on May 20. VCG/VCG via AP Rosoboronexport, Russia's state-run defense export agency, said Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reviewed the Russian military equipment on display. Malaysia operates several Russian-made weapon systems, including the Su-30MKM fighter jets. Last week, Anwar paid an official visit to Moscow and met with President Vladimir Putin. He described Malaysia's relationship with Russia as "special," adding that both nations were committed to upholding the principles of rule of international law and sovereignty. What People Are Saying U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard Kagan said: "From our aircraft and warships to our companies and innovators, the American presence at [the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition] demonstrates our robust military and commercial engagement across the region. We are proud to stand with Malaysia as partners, friends, and defenders of a free and open Indo-Pacific—working to build a region that is safer, stronger, and more prosperous." Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said: "We ascribe to the [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] position of centrality takes a very strong committed position to engage with all our neighboring countries and partners, East and West, United States, China, India, Australia and the rest and I think this for me, means truly strategic engagements with partners that will secure and ensure peace for the present and future." Russian President Vladimir Putin said: "Russia and Malaysia are bound by long-standing traditions of friendship and mutual understanding. We have always strived to consider each other's interests, work as partners, and build cooperation on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit, and we continue to do so." What Happens Next It remains to be seen how the U.S. and Russia will maintain or expand their military presence in Southeast Asia alongside China, where disputes in the South China Sea remain unsolved.
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
LIMA '25 showcases strong US presence, highlights defence ties with Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA '25) is underway with strong participation from the United States (US), reaffirming its robust defence and economic engagement with Malaysia. US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan said the presence of American defence and aerospace firms at LIMA '25 further reflects the breadth of US-Malaysia ties beyond the military domain. 'From our aircraft and warships to our companies and innovators, the American presence at LIMA '25 demonstrates our robust military and commercial engagement across the region. 'We are proud to stand with Malaysia as partners, friends, and defenders of a free and open Indo-Pacific,' he said in a statement, published on the official website of the US Embassy in Malaysia. More than 400 US military personnel are taking part in the biennial exhibition through static displays, aerial demonstrations, and professional exchanges aimed at strengthening regional security and cooperation. US military units on display include one US Air Force C-130J Hercules from the 36th Airlift Squadron, 374th Airlift Wing, the US Navy's guided-missile destroyer USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123), two F/A-18E Super Hornets from Strike Fighter Squadron 137, and one MH-60R from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 49. The US Navy's Carrier Air Wing 17, attached to the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, is also involved in aerial demonstrations with two F/A-18s. Vice Admiral Fred Kacher, Commander of the US 7th Fleet, described Malaysia as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific, citing the countries' continued cooperation through joint naval activities. 'Malaysia continues to be a key partner for us in the Indo-Pacific. 'We conduct numerous exercises and exchanges at sea and ashore between our navies every year to advance our close cooperation and maritime domain awareness that makes both our navies better,' he said. Rear Admiral Fred Goldhammer, commander of Carrier Strike Group 11, said the reception from Malaysian partners has been exceptional, underscoring the shared commitment to regional stability. 'Our participation in this dynamic showcase of multinational strength is a testament to our ability to operate cohesively across a challenging and evolving maritime landscape. 'Their commitment to regional security and cooperation mirrors our own, and we are honoured to operate alongside them,' he said. Held from May 20 to 24, LIMA '25 is organised by the Malaysian Defence Ministry and brings together regional and international military, industry, and government leaders to showcase advancements in the maritime and aerospace sectors. This year's edition marks the largest maritime and aerospace exhibition in Southeast Asia since LIMA was first held in 1991.
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
LIMA '25 shows strong US presence
KUALA LUMPUR: The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA '25) is underway with strong participation from the United States (US), reaffirming its robust defence and economic engagement with Malaysia. US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan said the presence of American defence and aerospace firms at LIMA '25 further reflects the breadth of US-Malaysia ties beyond the military domain. 'From our aircraft and warships to our companies and innovators, the American presence at LIMA '25 demonstrates our robust military and commercial engagement across the region. 'We are proud to stand with Malaysia as partners, friends, and defenders of a free and open Indo-Pacific,' he said in a statement, published on the official website of the US Embassy in Malaysia. More than 400 US military personnel are taking part in the biennial exhibition through static displays, aerial demonstrations, and professional exchanges aimed at strengthening regional security and cooperation. US military units on display include one US Air Force C-130J Hercules from the 36th Airlift Squadron, 374th Airlift Wing, the US Navy's guided-missile destroyer USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123), two F/A-18E Super Hornets from Strike Fighter Squadron 137, and one MH-60R from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 49. The US Navy's Carrier Air Wing 17, attached to the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, is also involved in aerial demonstrations with two F/A-18s. Vice Admiral Fred Kacher, Commander of the US 7th Fleet, described Malaysia as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific, citing the countries' continued cooperation through joint naval activities. 'Malaysia continues to be a key partner for us in the Indo-Pacific. 'We conduct numerous exercises and exchanges at sea and ashore between our navies every year to advance our close cooperation and maritime domain awareness that makes both our navies better,' he said. Rear Admiral Fred Goldhammer, commander of Carrier Strike Group 11, said the reception from Malaysian partners has been exceptional, underscoring the shared commitment to regional stability. 'Our participation in this dynamic showcase of multinational strength is a testament to our ability to operate cohesively across a challenging and evolving maritime landscape. 'Their commitment to regional security and cooperation mirrors our own, and we are honoured to operate alongside them,' he said. Held from May 20 to 24, LIMA '25 is organised by the Malaysian Defence Ministry and brings together regional and international military, industry, and government leaders to showcase advancements in the maritime and aerospace sectors. This year's edition marks the largest maritime and aerospace exhibition in Southeast Asia since LIMA was first held in 1991.
Barnama
21-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
LIMA '25 Showcases Strong US Presence, Highlights Defence Ties with Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 (Bernama) -- The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA '25) is underway with strong participation from the United States (US), reaffirming its robust defence and economic engagement with Malaysia. US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan said the presence of American defence and aerospace firms at LIMA '25 further reflects the breadth of US-Malaysia ties beyond the military domain. 'From our aircraft and warships to our companies and innovators, the American presence at LIMA '25 demonstrates our robust military and commercial engagement across the region. bootstrap slideshow 'We are proud to stand with Malaysia as partners, friends, and defenders of a free and open Indo-Pacific,' he said in a statement, published on the official website of the US Embassy in Malaysia. More than 400 US military personnel are taking part in the biennial exhibition through static displays, aerial demonstrations, and professional exchanges aimed at strengthening regional security and cooperation. US military units on display include one US Air Force C-130J Hercules from the 36th Airlift Squadron, 374th Airlift Wing, the US Navy's guided-missile destroyer USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123), two F/A-18E Super Hornets from Strike Fighter Squadron 137, and one MH-60R from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 49. The US Navy's Carrier Air Wing 17, attached to the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, is also involved in aerial demonstrations with two F/A-18s. Vice Admiral Fred Kacher, Commander of the US 7th Fleet, described Malaysia as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific, citing the countries' continued cooperation through joint naval activities. 'Malaysia continues to be a key partner for us in the Indo-Pacific.
