US concerns over China’s military equipment in East Sea
China’s increasing military presence in the East Sea via the placement of advanced weapon systems in the waters aims to intimidate and coerce its neighbours, US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said.
Singapore (VNA) – China’s increasing military presence in the East Seavia the placement of advanced weapon systems in the waters aims to intimidateand coerce its neighbours, US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said.
Speaking at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 2, Mattisstated that China has deployed anti-ship missiles, surface-to-air missiles, andelectronic jammers across the East Sea.
China’s action is tied directly to military use for the purposes of“intimidation and coercion”, which goes contrary to Beijing’s earlier claims.
Mattis called out President Xi Jinping for reneging on a 2015 promise made atthe White House that Beijing would not militarise the island features in theEast Sea.
The US supports the settlement of disputes via peaceful measures and in linewith international regulations and principles, as well as freedom and equalityof trade and investment.
Earlier on May 29, Mattis said that the American nation will continue itspresence in the East Sea as part of the efforts to ensure security, safety andfreedom of navigation in the region.
The US is working to prevent China’s militarisation of man-made islands illegallybuilt in the East Sea.-VNA
Leading scientists and researchers specializing in Asia-Pacific region, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and international law, discussed the East Sea disputes in the system of modern international relations in Asia-Pacific region at a round-table in Moscow on May 11.
Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has raised objections to China’s militarisation of the East Sea after reports that a Chinese bomber capable of carrying a nuclear warhead had landed in the Paracel archipelago.
Japanese Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera has voiced deep concern about reports that Chinese bombers had landed for the first time at an airport on the East Sea.
China and other concerned nations should refrain from actions that further militarise the East Sea and parties need to sit down for negotiation via diplomatic channels to resolve the issue, according to an US expert.
Chinese bombers’ landing and take-off drills on an airfield in Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago, which belongs to Vietnam but is occupied by China, are causing deep concerns and facing strong opposition from many countries regionally and globally.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis (Photo: VNA) 
