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Malaysia Sun
12-07-2025
- Business
- Malaysia Sun
Fighter jet deal with U.S. allies signals regional resistance to China's South China Sea expansion
Kuala Lumpur [Malaysia], July 12 (ANI): In a significant yet understated move to strengthen its air capabilities in the South China Sea, Malaysia has secured U.S. approval to acquire up to 33 F/A-18C/D Hornet fighter jets from Kuwait, a development that signals a quiet but firm recalibration of regional power dynamics, The Eurasian Times reports. The transfer, greenlit under Washington's Arms Export Control Act, marks a strategic U.S. nod to Malaysia's military modernisation without triggering an overt geopolitical showdown with China. Royal Malaysian Air Force Chief General Tan Sri Asghar Khan confirmed the approval on June 17, framing it as a critical upgrade amid rising threats in the Indo-Pacific. Although Malaysia publicly maintains neutrality, this defense boost, covertly supported by the U.S., reveals growing discomfort with China's coercive actions, particularly near Malaysia's maritime and airspace zones. As per The Eurasian Times, Beijing's belligerent behaviour continues to destabilise the region. In May alone, China dispatched 70 warships and two carrier strike groups from the Yellow Sea to the South China Sea, aggressively encircling Taiwan. Similar tactics have been used in Malaysian waters, including the provocative 2021 incursion of 16 Chinese military aircraft, prompting a formal diplomatic protest. With its fighter fleet thinned by the retirement of MiG-29s and BAE Hawks, Malaysia's acquisition of the well-maintained Kuwaiti Hornets--many upgraded with modern radars and electronic warfare systems--fills a glaring defense gap. U.S. support here is neither accidental nor merely logistical; it's part of a broader strategy to empower regional partners without drawing them into formal alliances, The Eurasian Times noted. Even as Malaysia maintains trade and dialogue with Beijing, it continues to face repeated intrusions near Petronas oil rigs off Sarawak, areas claimed under China's illegitimate nine-dash line. Public backlash against China's aggression has grown, exemplified by the 2025 boycott of Chagee tea shops after displaying a map echoing Chinese territorial claims. The Eurasian Times reported that the Hornet deal sends a quiet but unmistakable message: Malaysia, like other middle powers, is preparing for a future where sovereignty cannot rely on diplomacy alone. As tensions simmer, U.S.-backed defense upgrades reflect a growing resolve in Southeast Asia to resist China's creeping expansionism--on Malaysia's terms. (ANI)
India.com
09-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Bad news for China as US deploys F-35 fighter jets in Philippines to…
Home News Bad news for China as US deploys F-35 fighter jets in Philippines to… Bad news for China as US deploys F-35 fighter jets in Philippines to… The United States has for the first time deployed its 5th-generation F-35 stealth fighter at the Clark Air Base in Philippines, a move that could further raise US-China tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. (File) US-China tensions: In a significant development which could escalate US-China tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, the United States has for the first time deployed its 5th-generation F-35 stealth fighter at the Clark Air Base in Philippines. As per experts, Philippines is becoming a crucial regional player as Washington continuously keeps deploying major military assets to archipelago– a group of islands situated within the strategic line of defense called 'first island chain' that includes Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippine which proves to be critical for the US. According to a report by The Eurasian Times, US F-35 fighter jets, along with 2500 personnel have been deployed at the Clark Air Base to take part in the 'Cope Thunder 25-2' joint exercise between the US and Philippines, likely to be conducted from July 7-8. Philippine Air Force has also included FA-50 fighters, A-29B Super Tucanos, and multiple helicopter models to participate in the drill, the report said. Why US-Philippines are conducting joint air drill? As per Pacific Air Forces, the drill is being conducted with the aim of strengthening bilateral defense ties and enhancing interoperability between the air force of two countries. 'Free and open Indo-Pacific must not be taken for granted, and the drills are intended to deter potential aggression' says Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Mussler, commander of US 421st Fighter Squadron. FA-50 and F-35 jets successfully coordinated within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone on the first day of the drill, showing the country's rising role in keeping the region secure. The United States is allowed to operate from nine of the Philippine military bases under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) which was also expanded in 2023 even when China strongly opposed it. The deployment of F-35s further reiterates the strengthening security alliance between the two countries. In the defense of Taiwan, Manila, a Philippine city is considered as a significant player due to its geographical proximity across the Luzon Strait and the Bashi Channel. These are strategic maritime chokepoints that can be used by China in the case of an invasion. Additionally, US has steadily increased its military footprint in the Philippines. How US increased military footprint in Philippines? The US has consistently increased its military footprint in the Philippines. In 2023, F-22 Raptors flew alongside PAF fighters. In April 2025, the US deployed its advanced NMESIS anti-ship system and approved a $5.58 billion deal to sell F-16s and precision munitions to the Philippines. Last year, the Typhon missile system was also deployed during exercises Balikatan and Salaknib. In 2023, F-22 Raptors conducted joint flights with PAF fighters. While in April 2025, the U.S. deployed its advanced NMESIS anti-ship system and approved a $5.58 billion deal for F-16 fighter jets and precision munitions. During Balikatan and Salaknib exercises the Typhon missile system was also deployed in Philippines. What is China's concern? In response, China has voiced serious concerns and even conducted an intercontinental ballistic missile test in the Pacific, highlighting its unease with the growing US presence in the region. The strengthening US-Philippines defense partnership, including the latest F-35 drills, is expected to heighten further tensions with Beijing, which continues to accuse Washington of destabilizing the Indo-Pacific, the report said. In return, China conducted an intercontinental ballistic missile test in the Pacific along with addressing serious concerns to emphasize on the rising tensions caused by the growing US presence. As per the report by the Eurasian Times, the growing military partnership between Philippines and US is likely to result in increasing tensions with Beijing who continuously accuses Washington of destabilizing the Indo-Pacific. (With ANI inputs) For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest World News on
Canada News.Net
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Canada News.Net
F-35s lands in Philippines as US, allies push back against China's aggression in Indo-Pacific
Manila [Philippines], July 9 (ANI): The Philippines is rapidly emerging as a key frontline state in the growing US-China rivalry in the Indo-Pacific, as Washington continues to deploy advanced military assets to the archipelago, which lies within the strategic 'first island chain' a line of defence that includes Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines, critical to US interests in the region, as reported by The Eurasian Times. Following the recent port visit of the nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier USS George Washington to Manila, the United States deployed its fifth-generation stealth fighter, the F-35, to the Philippines for the first time. The fighter jets arrived at Clark Air Base to participate in the joint US-Philippines air exercise 'Cope Thunder 25-2', which runs from July 7 to July 18. Over 2,500 personnel, including 2,301 from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and 225 from the US Pacific Air Forces, are involved in the drills. The PAF has also deployed a range of aircraft, including FA-50 fighters, A-29B Super Tucanos, and multiple helicopter models. According to a statement from the Pacific Air Forces, the exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the two countries' air forces and strengthen bilateral defence ties. Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Mussler, commander of the US 421st Fighter Squadron, emphasised that a 'free and open Indo-Pacific' must not be taken for granted, and the drills are intended to deter potential aggression. The deployment also marked the first time the PAF has flown alongside US F-35s, symbolising a significant leap in defence cooperation. In April this year, during the earlier phase of Cope Thunder 25-1, the PAF's FA-50s conducted joint drills with US F-16s. On the first day of the current exercises, FA-50 and F-35 jets conducted coordinated sorties within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone, reinforcing the country's growing strategic role in regional security dynamics. The deployment of F-35s reflects the deepening security alliance under the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which allows US forces to operate from nine designated Philippine military bases. The agreement was expanded in 2023, despite strong opposition from China. Manila is considered a critical player in the defence of Taiwan due to its geographical proximity across the Luzon Strait and the Bashi Channel, strategic maritime chokepoints that China could use in the event of an invasion. Earlier this year, the Philippine military chief warned that the country would 'inevitably' be drawn into a conflict over Taiwan if one were to erupt. The US has consistently increased its military footprint in the Philippines. In 2023, F-22 Raptors flew alongside PAF fighters. In April 2025, the US deployed its advanced NMESIS anti-ship system and approved a $5.58 billion deal to sell F-16s and precision munitions to the Philippines. Last year, the Typhon missile system was also deployed during exercises Balikatan and Salaknib. In response, China has voiced serious concerns and even conducted an intercontinental ballistic missile test in the Pacific, highlighting its unease with the growing US presence in the region. The strengthening US-Philippines defence partnership, including the latest F-35 drills, is expected to heighten further tensions with Beijing, which continues to accuse Washington of destabilising the Indo-Pacific, The Eurasian Times reported. (ANI)
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
US deploys F-35s to Philippines for first time amid rising tensions with China
The Philippines is rapidly emerging as a key frontline state in the growing US-China rivalry in the Indo-Pacific, as Washington continues to deploy advanced military assets to the archipelago, which lies within the strategic "first island chain" a line of defence that includes Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines, critical to US interests in the region, as reported by The Eurasian Times. Following the recent port visit of the nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier USS George Washington to Manila, the United States deployed its fifth-generation stealth fighter, the F-35, to the Philippines for the first time. The fighter jets arrived at Clark Air Base to participate in the joint US-Philippines air exercise "Cope Thunder 25-2", which runs from July 7 to July 18. Over 2,500 personnel, including 2,301 from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and 225 from the US Pacific Air Forces , are involved in the drills. The PAF has also deployed a range of aircraft, including FA-50 fighters, A-29B Super Tucanos, and multiple helicopter models. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Top 25 Most Beautiful Women In The World Car Novels Undo According to a statement from the Pacific Air Forces, the exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the two countries' air forces and strengthen bilateral defence ties. Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Mussler, commander of the US 421st Fighter Squadron, emphasised that a "free and open Indo-Pacific" must not be taken for granted, and the drills are intended to deter potential aggression. The deployment also marked the first time the PAF has flown alongside US F-35s, symbolising a significant leap in defence cooperation. In April this year, during the earlier phase of Cope Thunder 25-1, the PAF's FA-50s conducted joint drills with US F-16s. Live Events On the first day of the current exercises, FA-50 and F-35 jets conducted coordinated sorties within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone, reinforcing the country's growing strategic role in regional security dynamics. The deployment of F-35s reflects the deepening security alliance under the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which allows US forces to operate from nine designated Philippine military bases. The agreement was expanded in 2023, despite strong opposition from China. Manila is considered a critical player in the defence of Taiwan due to its geographical proximity across the Luzon Strait and the Bashi Channel, strategic maritime chokepoints that China could use in the event of an invasion. Earlier this year, the Philippine military chief warned that the country would "inevitably" be drawn into a conflict over Taiwan if one were to erupt. The US has consistently increased its military footprint in the Philippines. In 2023, F-22 Raptors flew alongside PAF fighters. In April 2025, the US deployed its advanced NMESIS anti-ship system and approved a $5.58 billion deal to sell F-16s and precision munitions to the Philippines. Last year, the Typhon missile system was also deployed during exercises Balikatan and Salaknib. In response, China has voiced serious concerns and even conducted an intercontinental ballistic missile test in the Pacific, highlighting its unease with the growing US presence in the region. The strengthening US-Philippines defence partnership, including the latest F-35 drills, is expected to heighten further tensions with Beijing, which continues to accuse Washington of destabilising the Indo-Pacific, The Eurasian Times reported.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
China ramps up military pressure on Taiwan with 70 warships, 75 jets in may amid invasion threat
China increases the temperature around Taiwan (ANI) TAIPEI: Beijing sent two aircraft carrier strike groups and numerous warships to the waters both north and south of Taiwan last month, as noted by a Taiwanese security official, amid rising tensions between China and Taiwan, as reported by The Eurasian Times. From May 1 to May 27, around 70 Chinese vessels, including naval ships, were tracked from the Yellow Sea to the South China Sea, according to a security official who requested anonymity. In recent years, China has intensified the deployment of warships and fighter jets around Taiwan, pressuring Taipei to recognise its claims of sovereignty over the island, The Eurasian Times reported. China has not dismissed the possibility of using military force to bring Taiwan under its control, posing an ongoing threat of invasion to the island. "Their military activities and grey-zone operations have involved substantial deployments across the entire island chain, representing a strategy of comprehensive maximum pressure," the security official indicated, as quoted by The Eurasian Times. "On average, there have been between 50 to 70 naval and government vessels operating, along with hundreds of flights by different military aircraft, consistently engaging in harassment missions." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Some of the vessels travelled through the Miyako Strait into the Western Pacific Ocean for "long-range training, including integrated air-sea exercises," the official added, as cited by The Eurasian Times. On May 19, an additional 30 unnamed Chinese ships, lacking documentation or a port of registry, were spotted near Taiwan's Penghu archipelago in the Taiwan Strait and had been "intentionally deployed to intimidate," the official remarked. Taiwan's defence ministry noted that a total of 75 Chinese aircraft participated in three "combat readiness patrols" near the island during the month, as highlighted by The Eurasian Times. These actions by China were indicative of a "military expansion" effort aimed at controlling the "entire island chain and enhancing their capabilities," the official stated. Since Lai assumed office, China has conducted several large-scale military exercises in the vicinity of Taiwan, according to The Eurasian Times.
