ipdefenseforum

FORUM Staff Beijing falsely portrayed a routine naval passing exercise conducted in August 2026 with Indonesia as a joint operation in waters under China’s jurisdiction. Taipei condemned the characterization as political manipulation aimed at creating the incorrect impression that China controls waters east of Taiwan. After its completion, Beijing maintained the naval exercise t...

Reuters Tokyo is portraying its armed forces buildup not only as a means to protect the country but also as a path to greater prosperity, asserting in its latest defense white paper released in August 2026 that arms production can support economic growth. The annual assessment of threats posed by China, North Korea and Russia …

Gusty Da Costa Indonesia is deepening its role as a regional security partner by expanding defense industry cooperation and military operational engagement. The approach was spotlighted in June 2026 during a defense industry roundtable hosted by the United States Embassy in Jakarta and led by David P. Jensen, chief of the U.S. Pacific Command’s Security …

Peter Parson Allies and Partners increasingly are cooperating on missile defense capabilities, an initiative underscored by China’s destabilizing test-launch of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) into South Pacific waters. “The Indo-Pacific region is so large, no single partner can possibly hope to maintain the whole range of systems necessary to defend it alone,” Mik...

Lt. Col. Richard J. Connaroe II / U.S. Army China Coast Guard (CCG) personnel carried out aggressive, violent acts against Philippine Sailors at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea in July 2026. In a continuation of China’s provocation against lawful Philippine maritime operations, CCG forces injured two Sailors and then obstructed medical evacuation …