Latest news with #RegionalSecurity
Malay Mail
05-08-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Anwar earns respect from China and US by mediating Cambodia-Thailand peace talks — Phar Kim Beng
AUG 5 — Amid a shifting and uncertain global order, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has achieved what few regional leaders have managed: gaining the respect of both China and the United States while elevating Asean diplomacy from ceremonial declarations to substantive peacebuilding. In hosting the historic Cambodian-Thai military talks in Kuala Lumpur, Anwar has not only asserted Malaysia's credibility as Asean Chair, but also demonstrated that principled neutrality, when anchored in regional responsibility, can earn international trust. The ongoing negotiations at the Malaysian Ministry of Defence between the military leaderships of Cambodia and Thailand mark the first time that defence officials from both sides have come together under third-party auspices to address their tense border dispute. These talks are no mere photo opportunity. Overseen by Malaysian Army Chief General Mohammad Nizam Jaafar, they are deeply technical and intentionally discreet, focusing on contentious flashpoints and the mechanics of sustaining the ceasefire agreed just days earlier. With military attachés on standby to monitor implementation and a parallel Asean-led mechanism under development, Malaysia is doing more than hosting; it is actively shaping the architecture of regional security. By convening these talks ahead of Thursday's General Border Committee (GBC) meeting — comprised of 54 senior representatives including Defence Ministers and Army Chiefs — Malaysia has created the preconditions for concrete deliverables. That this process is happening without fanfare, and yet with full awareness and tacit support from Beijing and Washington, is no accident. Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai shake hands as they pose for photos following a press conference, on the day of mediation talks on the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict, in Putrajaya July 28, 2025. — Reuters pic Both great powers — China and the United States — have vested interests in a stable Asean . For China, the Thai-Cambodian border serves as a critical corridor into mainland Southeast Asia and Indochina. For the U.S., stability in this region reduces the risk of further militarization and offsets the spread of spoilers aligned with anti-democratic impulses. By playing the honest broker and avoiding overt alignment with either camp, Malaysia under Anwar has demonstrated that Asean need not be a pawn in great power politics — it can be a partner. Malaysia's role here is fundamentally Asean in spirit but global in consequence. This is the type of conflict resolution that aligns with the original intent of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC): non-violence, peaceful dialogue, and regional solutions to regional problems. Yet too often, TAC principles have remained aspirational. Anwar's facilitation of these military-to-military talks has moved them squarely into the realm of action. What sets this initiative apart is its firm foundation in confidence-building measures, not coercive diplomacy. No guns are drawn, no ultimatums issued — just serious, high-level engagements that involve both civilian and military chains of command. That this is happening in Kuala Lumpur — not Bangkok, Phnom Penh, Beijing, or Washington — speaks volumes about Malaysia's growing strategic capital. The regional silence that greeted the initial outbreak of violence between Thailand and Cambodia only underscored the urgency for credible intervention. With over 300,000 displaced and military tensions simmering since late July, there was a real risk that Asean 's credibility could collapse under the weight of its own indecision. That collapse has now been averted, thanks to Malaysia's resolve and the maturity of the Anwar administration's foreign policy apparatus. This moment is not just a win for Malaysia — it is a defining test for Asean 's evolution. If the current talks result in verified ceasefire compliance and long-term deconfliction measures, it would mark a milestone in Asean 's ability to contain bilateral disputes before they metastasize into regional crises. The long-criticized 'Asean Way' is being refined in real time: quiet, deliberate, but no longer impotent. For Malaysia, this is also a return to its long-standing tradition of behind-the-scenes diplomacy — from the days of Tun Hussein Onn's neutrality to Tun Razak's outreach to China. But under Anwar, there is a sharpened edge: the willingness to assume responsibility, invite the aggrieved parties to the table, and assume verification roles typically eschewed by Asean states. This is not just diplomacy — it is leadership. And the world is watching. From Beijing's calibrated approval to Washington's quiet endorsement, Malaysia's credibility is being affirmed. In an era where most peace efforts collapse under the weight of mistrust or great power rivalry, Malaysia's achievement offers a rare and valuable alternative: that a mid-sized Muslim-majority state in Southeast Asia, led by a Prime Minister with intellectual depth and moral clarity, can broker peace without playing patron or pawn. Anwar Ibrahim has elevated not only Malaysia's stature but also the potential of Asean as a regional peacemaker. In so doing, he has redefined the standards of statecraft in Southeast Asia — with the endorsement, if not the applause, of the world's most powerful capitals. * Phar Kim Beng PhD is Professor of Asean Studies, International Islamic University of Malaysia and Director of Institute of Internationalisation and Asean Studies (IINTAS). ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Time of India
27-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India-US defence ties deepen as top military officials hold talks at Exercise Talisman Sabre
The top defence officials from India and the United States held key bilateral talks on Sunday during the ongoing Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, exploring ways to deepen strategic military cooperation , regional security coordination, and operational readiness in the Indo-Pacific. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), met Lt Gen Joshua Rudd, Deputy Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, as part of India's high-level engagement at the multilateral exercise hosted in Australia. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Artificial Intelligence Healthcare MCA Others healthcare Leadership Product Management MBA Cybersecurity Data Science CXO Management Finance Project Management Degree Public Policy Data Science Design Thinking PGDM Data Analytics others Operations Management Digital Marketing Technology Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Exec Cert Prog in AI for Biz India Starts on undefined Get Details The discussions over a tea focused on enhancing defence collaboration , including future operational opportunities and joint efforts to uphold peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, according to the Integrated Defence Staff. "Various avenues for strengthening #DefenceCooperation and collaboration, as well as future operational opportunities, were discussed.#India - #USA Defence engagements underscore mutual resolve towards #RegionalSecurity and stability in the #IndoPacific," the Integrated Defence Staff posted on X. The meeting reflects the broader momentum in India-US strategic relations, especially in the defence sector, which has seen a rapid expansion in recent years. Live Events Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon, where both leaders acknowledged the growing depth of defence cooperation between the two nations. Jaishankar called the defence partnership "one of the most consequential pillars" of the bilateral relationship. "I am here with you at the Pentagon because we believe that our defence partnership is, today, truly one of the most consequential," Jaishankar said during his meeting. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed enthusiasm over the continued progress and highlighted India's growing integration of US defence systems into its military. He also outlined the shared vision for expanding industrial cooperation and defence production. "The US is very pleased for the successful integration of many US defence items... Building on this progress, we hope we can complete several major pending US defence sales to India, expand our shared defence industrial cooperation and co-production networks, strengthen interoperability... and formally sign a new framework of US-India major defence partnership," said Hegseth. He further noted that this collaboration aims to address common strategic goals and meet India's evolving defence requirements more efficiently. The current pace of high-level defence interactions comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US earlier this year. During the visit, both PM Modi and then-US President Donald Trump had announced plans to sign a new ten-year framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership. The two countries also welcomed deeper integration of US-origin platforms into India's military inventory, such as, C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, P-8I Poseidon maritime aircraft, CH-47F Chinooks, MH-60R Seahawks, AH-64E Apaches, M777 howitzers, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and MQ-9B drones. In addition, both sides had committed to pursuing new deals for co-producing Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles and Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles in India, ensuring that India's critical defence requirements are met through joint industrial collaboration. The ongoing Exercise Talisman Sabre, one of the largest military drills involving key Indo-Pacific partners, provides an ideal platform for India and the US to deepen interoperability and coordination.
Zawya
21-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
SCO partnership supports Egypt's modernization, regional stability: Chinese ambassador
The Chinese Embassy in Cairo hosted a seminar on Sunday under the theme 'Development and Impact of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO): Upholding the Spirit of Shanghai Cooperation and Advancing China-Egypt Relations with Steady Steps.' Chinese Ambassador to Cairo Liao Liqiang spoke about the SCO's evolution and its growing relevance for Egypt, emphasising China's commitment to strengthening cooperation between the organization and the Egyptian government. Founded in 2001 in Shanghai by China, Russia, Uzbekistan and other countries, the SCO has expanded from six founding members to ten, alongside observer states and partner countries. Liao highlighted that the organization is now the world's largest comprehensive regional body in terms of member states' population, land area and geographic reach—spanning Asia, Europe and Africa. The ambassador noted that Egypt became a dialogue partner of the SCO in 2022, enabling it to participate in all related dialogues and initiatives. 'The organization strives for justice and fairness—principles clearly reflected in its charter, which emphasises respect for different civilizations, shared development, dialogue, sovereignty, and resolving disputes through consultation,' he said. He added that the SCO promotes mutual benefit and regional security through confidence-building measures among member states, covering areas such as security, defence, border protection, intelligence cooperation, and countering terrorism, separatism and extremism. 'We want to strengthen cooperation with Egypt in combating terrorism,' Liao stated, underlining that the organization also supports economic growth both for its members and globally. Such cooperation, he noted, contributes to Egypt's modernization process, creates economic opportunities, and fosters dialogue between Egypt and other countries, aligning with the aspirations of the Egyptian people. This year, the SCO has prioritised sustainable development, and will hold a major summit from late August to early September expected to attract a wide range of global participants. The summit aims to enhance mutual political trust, increase trade exchanges, and boost the efficiency of cooperation mechanisms. Egypt's accession as a dialogue partner also reflects the organization's expansion into Africa and its commitment to deeper cooperation with the continent. Highlighting recent diplomatic milestones, Liao described the visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Egypt as 'historic and highly significant.' It was the first visit by a Chinese premier to Egypt in 16 years and Premier Li's first stop on his inaugural trip to Africa. The ambassador said the visit demonstrates the keen interest of Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government in strengthening ties with Egypt. During his visit, Premier Li held discussions and exchanged views with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, which Liao said further reinforced the partnership between the two countries, especially given the current regional and global context. © 2024 Daily News Egypt. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
President El-Sisi Speaks with Iranian President Pezeshkian
Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi spoke by phone with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said President El-Sisi expressed Egypt's absolute rejection of the recent Iranian missile attack targeting the State of Qatar. The President emphasized Egypt's condemnation of any actions that infringe upon the sovereignty of states, particularly Arab and Islamic countries. President El-Sisi welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, affirming the importance of underpinning and adhering to this agreement, in light of the regional escalation that almost plunged the region into widespread chaos and violence. The call also reviewed Egypt's intensive efforts and contacts over the past days with various concerned parties, mainly the United States, to curb the escalation and restore calm and stability to the region. The call underscored Egypt's continued endeavors to exert all necessary efforts to solidify the ceasefire agreement. The two presidents concurred that the current delicate and sensitive phase necessitates advancing comprehensive political solutions and adopting approaches that consider the various dimensions related to regional security. Both Presidents also reiterated the significance of resuming negotiations on the nuclear program between Washington and Tehran and the indispensability to address concerns related to nuclear non-proliferation, in addition to advocating the establishment of a Middle East Weapons of Mass Destruction-Free Zone. The Iranian president expressed his gratitude and appreciation to President El-Sisi, valuing Egypt's wise and supportive stances for restoring stability in the region, and the efforts to prevent bloodshed among all parties. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Arab News
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Saudi foreign minister arrives in Doha for emergency GCC meeting
DOHA: Saudi Arabia's foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Doha on Tuesday to take part in an emergency meeting of Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Prince Faisal was received upon arrival by Qatari Minister of State Sultan Al-Muraikhi, Saudi ambassador to Qatar Prince Mansour bin Khalid bin Farhan, and GCC Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi. The emergency session has been convened to discuss Monday's Iranian missile attack on US bases in Qatar. The meeting will address the implications of the incident for regional security, as well as collective efforts to restore stability across the Gulf, SPA added.
