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NDTV
28-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
China's Most Advanced Bombers Seen On Disputed South China Sea Island
Hong Kong: Satellite imagery shows China landed two of its most advanced bombers in the disputed Paracel islands in the South China Sea this month - a gesture that some analysts described as Beijing's latest signalling of its growing military capabilities to rivals. The deployment marks the first time the long-range H-6 bombers have landed on Woody Island in the Paracels since 2020, and the movement of the now upgraded aircraft comes amid tensions with the Philippines, operations near Taiwan and ahead of the region's biggest defence forum this weekend. "China's long-range bombers don't need to be on the Paracels so it does appear to be omni-directional signalling by Beijing - against the Philippines and against the US and other ths that are going on," said Collin Koh, a defence scholar at Singapore's S Rajaratnam School of International Studies. French President Emmanuel Macron is due to open the three-day Shangri-La Dialogue forum in Singapore with a speech on Friday while US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth will outline the Trump administration's approach to the region on Saturday. A British aircraft carrier is expected in the South China Sea on a rare deployment next month, diplomats say. Satellites captured two H-6 planes flying over the hotly disputed Scarborough Shoal, also in the South China Sea, just ahead of Hegseth's visit to the Philippines in late March, when he reaffirmed the United States' "ironclad commitment" to its treaty ally. Regional diplomats and analysts say deployments of the jet-powered H-6 are closely scrutinised, given the way its Cold War-era airframe has been modernised to carry anti-ship and land attack cruise missiles, while some of the planes are capable of launching nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles. A potential threat to US bases in the region, H-6 bombers were deployed in wargames around Taiwan in October, and in July flew close to the US mainland for the first time. Neither China's defence ministry nor the Philippines' maritime and national security council immediately responded to Reuters' requests for comment. China's occupation of the Paracels is disputed by Vietnam, whose foreign ministry also did not immediately respond for comment. SOVIET DESIGN Echoing the development of the US B-52, the basic H-6 dates back to 1950s Soviet designs but it remains China's most advanced long-range bomber having been re-fitted with improved engines and modern flight systems along with its state-of-the-art weaponry. Images provided to Reuters by Maxar Technologies show two H-6 bombers on a runway on Woody Island on May 19. Another Maxar image on the same date show two Y-20 transport aircraft and an KJ-500 early warning plane - an aircraft that is seen as vital to China being able to control and secure increasingly complex air and sea operations. Some analysts said the planes may have first arrived on May 17 and been present until May 23. Ben Lewis, founder of open source data platform PLATracker, said they thought it was unlikely that the H-6s would be deployed long-term on Woody Island or be permanently based there. "The ability to cycle forces through the bases, especially higher level assets like the H-6, provides the PLA with a force protection mechanism," he said, referring to China's People's Liberation Army. China's Southern Theatre Command, which covers the South China Sea, maintains two regiments of the bombers, according to the London-based International Institute of Strategic Studies. The bombers are generally kept at heavily fortified bases on the Chinese mainland, where they would have more protection in a conflict from US attacks in conflict scenarios. The US maintains jet fighter wings in Japan, including on its forward deployed aircraft carrier, and on Guam, which is also home to B-52s. China claims sovereignty over nearly all the South China Sea, including areas claimed by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. A 2016 ruling by an international arbitral tribunal found Beijing's sweeping claims had no basis under international law, a decision China rejects.
16-02-2025
- Business
Indian Ocean bridge, not barrier: Sayyid Badr
Muscat – 'The Indian Ocean is a bridge, not a barrier, and Oman considers all countries as partners,' said H E Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, at the opening of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat on Sunday. The two-day conference, hosted by Oman's Foreign Ministry in collaboration with India Foundation with support from S Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, has brought together foreign ministers and representatives from 60 countries to discuss opportunities and challenges facing the Indian Ocean region. Discussions will focus on maritime trade, security, renewable energy and technological innovation. Addressing the gathering, H E Sayyid Badr stressed that the Indian Ocean is not just a body of water, but rather an artery of economic life, a platform for exchange, and a bridge for communication and friendship. 'The ocean was a gateway for our ancestors, and it remains so today,' he said, highlighting Oman's maritime history and its role in fostering trade and cultural exchange. Emphasising the importance of cooperation, he stated, 'We prioritise inclusive dialogue, multilateralism and non-interference. We choose to focus on shared ambitions and view our diversity as a source of strength.' H E Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, Foreign Minister He also stressed the need for sustainable maritime policies, calling for progress in marine stewardship, freedom of navigation, and addressing climate challenges faced by coastal communities. 'Oman's economic vision seeks to balance growth with environmental conservation, especially in the blue economy, port infrastructure and logistics services.' Dr Ram Madhav, President of India Foundation, highlighted the region's economic significance, stating that 70% of global trade passes through the Indian Ocean, which covers an area of 74mn sqkm and is home to 3bn people. However, he warned of challenges including piracy, maritime terrorism, overfishing, human trafficking and rising sea levels. 'These issues require enhanced cooperation and stronger partnerships,' he said. Dr Ram Madhav, President of India Foundation Dr S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India, reinforced the need for collective action. 'Our voyage to new horizons is best done as a coordinated flotilla. We are a diverse group, but what unites us is our shared commitment to the well-being of the Indian Ocean region. Stability and security are essential, but beyond that, we must work together to achieve our ambitions and aspirations,' he said. H E Khamis bin Mohammed al Shamakhi, Undersecretary for Transport in Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, underlined the importance of Oman hosting the conference, given its strategic location and its growing role in international maritime organisations. He informed that the sultanate is working towards green transportation, sustainable ports and eco-friendly sea lanes. The conference will see foreign ministers from 27 countries present their perspectives on common security challenges and strategies to strengthen maritime partnerships.
