Latest news with #maritimesecurity
South China Morning Post
21 hours ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Will Japan's ‘near alliance' with the Philippines fuel China's suspicions?
Japan 's view that its ties with the Philippines are at a 'near-alliance status' has been welcomed as a sign of the commitment by both countries to tackle their perceived common threats, even as analysts warn that any formalisation towards deeper security cooperation could worsen regional tensions. Speaking in Tokyo on May 28, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya hailed the close partnership in the presence of Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo. Iwaya and Manalo discussed strengthening defence cooperation, including a prospective agreement for Japan and the Philippines to share classified information, according to a statement released by the Japanese embassy in Manila. They discussed the progress of the implementation of the Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), a pact signed in July last year aimed at enhancing maritime security in the South China Sea amid China 's growing assertiveness in the disputed waters. The RAA allows the deployment of Japanese and Philippine forces for joint military drills in each other's territory. Both countries have also started talks on boosting economic collaboration and supply chain resiliency and working towards such an agreement.
Arab News
3 days ago
- General
- Arab News
Royal Navy seizes $40m worth of drugs in Arabian Sea bust
LONDON: A Royal Navy frigate operating in the Arabian Sea seized $40 million worth of drugs in a major operation, the Daily Telegraph reported on Friday. It came after the HMS Lancaster pursued a drug-trafficking boat for more than a day when British drones launched from the warship spotted illegal activity. The ship's crew deployed a Wildcat helicopter to carry out the interception, which saw a boarding team from 42 Commando seize 80 packages of drugs. Stopping illicit activity in its tracks! 1000kg Heroin 660kg Hashish 6kg Amphetamine Safe from the streets, thanks to our team Read more: — HMS Lancaster (@HMSLANCASTER) May 30, 2025 A Royal Navy spokesman said the packages contained 1,000 kg of heroin, 660 kg of hashish and 6 kg of amphetamine. 'It's the second bust in three months for the British warship, which is based in Bahrain and is attached to a New Zealand-led international task force spread across the Indian Ocean hunting down illegal activity,' he added. 'And it's the second time the Royal Navy's new Peregrine drones — mini-helicopters that conduct reconnaissance sorties for hours on end and feed live information back to Lancaster's operations room — have played a vital part in the success.' In March, the Royal Navy used its Peregrine drones for the first time in a drugs bust, tracking smugglers in the Indian Ocean. More than 3 tonnes of heroin, hashish and amphetamine were seized. Luke Pollard, the UK's armed forces minister, said: 'I congratulate the crew of HMS Lancaster on this significant seizure, which is keeping dangerous and illegal drugs off our streets. 'This operation highlights the unique role our Royal Navy contributes, working to disrupt criminal operations around the world, keeping us secure at home and strong abroad.'
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Secure waterways vital to trade, stability: Oman at UN
New York, USA – Oman has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding regional and international maritime navigation, describing secure sea routes as critical to the global movement of trade and energy supplies. Addressing a high-level session on maritime security at the United Nations Security Council in New York, H E Omar bin Saeed al Kathiri, Oman's Permanent Representative to the UN, said the sultanate recognises the legal, humanitarian and security responsibilities linked to protecting international shipping lanes. 'Oman has consistently aligned its national laws with international legal frameworks, especially the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,' he said. 'This ensures the freedom of navigation, clarifies the responsibilities of coastal and transit states, and supports the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes.' He referenced Oman's recent mediation in the region, which led to a ceasefire agreement announced on May 6 to allow safe passage through the Red Sea and Bab al Mandab Strait. 'The mediation reflects Oman's wider efforts to de-escalate regional tensions and promote maritime stability.' © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
21-05-2025
- General
- Zawya
Saudi: "Naval Defender 25" exercise concludes in Jubail
JUBAIL — The Saudi Naval Forces and their US counterparts concluded on Monday the "Naval Defender 25" exercise at King Abdulaziz Naval Base, the site of the Eastern Fleet, in Jubail in the Eastern Province. The exercise was part of military cooperation to enhance maritime security, protect territorial waters, and enhance joint combat readiness. During the exercise, the two forces implemented advanced combat scenarios, such as dealing with live ammunition against hostile targets, formations of naval battleships, maritime rescue operations, countering enemy boats and drones, and live firing. The exercise also included training in anti-submarine warfare and naval formations, contributing to enhancing combat readiness in complex maritime environments. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
The National
20-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Maritime security deteriorating as piracy surges, warns UN chief
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned on Tuesday that maritime security is deteriorating, with piracy and armed robbery at sea surging by nearly 50 per cent in early 2025, threatening international trade and stability. "Without maritime security, there can be no global security," Mr Guterres told the UN Security Council during a high-level debate headed by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. "But maritime spaces are increasingly under strain from both traditional threats and emerging dangers." He cited contested boundaries, depleting natural resources and escalating geopolitical tension as central drivers of conflict and crime at sea. The International Maritime Organisation reported a 47.5 per cent increase in piracy and armed robbery incidents in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, reversing a modest decline in 2024. Attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have disrupted global shipping routes, exacerbating tension in the volatile region. The group claims the attacks are carried out in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza. Both the Gulf of Aden and the Mediterranean Sea remain hotspots for migrant smuggling as well as weapons and human trafficking, Mr Guterres said. "The problem is getting worse," he added. The acting US charge d'affaires Dorothy Shea told council members that the Iran-aligned Houthis have "terrorised" shipping lanes for years, disrupting 30 per cent of global container traffic through the region. The group has attacked several commercial ships and killed civilian sailors, hijacking the Galaxy Leader in November. 'The United States took punishing action to defend freedom of navigation against the Houthis,' Ms Shea said. 'Under pressure, the Houthis have backed down from attacking American ships, but they will face further punishing strikes if they attack US vessels again.' Yemen's Houthi rebels said on Monday that they would impose a "naval blockade" of the Israeli port of Haifa in response to Israel's escalation of the Gaza war. "All companies with ships present in or heading to this port are hereby notified that, as of the time of this announcement, the aforementioned port has been included in the target bank," said the Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree.
