Tag: Global News Watch

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US and Philippines Condemn China’s “Gray Zone” Activities in the South China Sea

The United States and the Philippines have issued a joint statement condemning China’s “gray zone” activities in the South China Sea. These activities include the deployment of maritime militia and the harassment of Philippine vessels and fishermen. The two countries also reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law and called for a peaceful resolution to the disputes in the region. The statement was issued after the conclusion of the annual joint military exercises between the US and the Philippines.

Key takeaways:

The US and the Philippines have condemned China’s “gray zone” activities in the South China Sea.

China’s activities include the deployment of maritime militia and the harassment of Philippine vessels and fishermen.

The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law and called for a peaceful resolution to the disputes in the region.

The statement was issued after the conclusion of the annual joint military exercises between the US and the Philippines.

Source: The Manila Times

What are the Gray Zones?

U.S. Position on Maritime Claims in the South China Sea:

In a 2020 U.S. Secretary of Defense the statement, the PRC has no lawful territorial or maritime claim to (or derived from) James Shoal, an entirely submerged feature only 50 nautical miles from Malaysia and some 1,000 nautical miles from China’s coast. James Shoal is often cited in PRC propaganda as the “southernmost territory of China.” International law is clear: An underwater feature like James Shoal cannot be claimed by any state and is incapable of generating maritime zones. James Shoal (roughly 20 meters below the surface) is not and never was PRC territory, nor can Beijing assert any lawful maritime rights from it.

The world will not allow Beijing to treat the South China Sea as its maritime empire. America stands with our Southeast Asian allies and partners in protecting their sovereign rights to offshore resources, consistent with their rights and obligations under international law. We stand with the international community in defense of freedom of the seas and respect for sovereignty and reject any push to impose “might makes right” in the South China Sea or the wider region.


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Tomahawk Missiles for Australia

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The crew of the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Annapolis (SSN 760) successfully launches Tomahawk cruise missiles off the coast of southern California in 2018.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has announced a possible sale of Tomahawk cruise missile systems to Australia. The proposed deal is worth an estimated $1.5 billion and would involve the sale of 200 Tomahawk Block V All-Up-Round missiles, along with associated equipment, spare parts, and support services.

The Tomahawk missile system is a long-range, all-weather, subsonic cruise missile that is designed for precision strike missions against heavily defended targets. It is a proven weapon system that has been used extensively in combat operations, most recently in the strikes against Syrian chemical weapon facilities in 2018.

The proposed sale would enhance Australia’s capability to deter regional threats and strengthen its interoperability with the US. It would also support Australia’s maritime security and provide it with an enhanced ability to conduct naval operations independently or in coordination with other allies.

The sale of the Tomahawk missile system to Australia is part of a broader trend of increasing defense cooperation between the US and its allies in the Indo-Pacific region, as they seek to counterbalance China’s growing military power and assertiveness in the region.

The proposed sale is still subject to approval by the US Congress, and it remains to be seen how Australia’s neighbors, particularly China, will respond to the move. However, if approved, the sale could have significant implications for the balance of power in the region and could potentially escalate tensions between the US and China.

Overall, the proposed sale of the Tomahawk missile system to Australia highlights the increasing importance of the Indo-Pacific region in global affairs and the growing significance of defense cooperation among allies in the region. It also underscores the continued rivalry between the US and China, which is likely to shape the region’s security landscape in the years to come.

CNN reports that:

So far only the UK has bought Tomahawks from the US, but recently Japan announced its intention to buy hundreds of the missiles, which cover a distance of more than 1,000 kilometers (621 miles), to boost its defense capabilities.

About Tomahawks

First deployed in the Gulf War in 1991, Tomahawk missiles fly at extremely low altitudes at high subsonic speeds and are controlled by several mission-tailored guidance systems. According to the US Navy, they can be launched from submarines made by the US and the UK, as well as from US Navy ships.

  • The Tomahawk Land Attack Missile is a long-range, all-weather, jet-powered, subsonic cruise missile that is primarily used by the United States Navy and Royal Navy in ship and submarine-based land-attack operations. Source: Wikipedia
  • Maximum speed: Subsonic; ~Mach 0.74. about 567.7 mph (493.3 kn; 913.6 km/h)
  • Engine: Williams International F107-WR-402 turbofan; using TH-dimer fuel; and a solid-fuel rocket booster
  • Manufacturer: General Dynamics (initially); McDonnell Douglas; Hughes Aircraft Corporation; Raytheon Missiles & Defense
    Length: Without booster: 18 ft 3 in (5.56 m) With booster: 20 ft 6 in (6.25 m)
  • Diameter: 20.4 in (0.52 m)
    Mass: 2,900 lb (1,300 kg), 3,500 lb (1,600 kg) with booster
    Unit cost: : $1.87M (FY2017) (Block IV); $2M (FY2022) (Block V);
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U.S.-Indo Joint Working Group on Aircraft Carrier Technology Cooperation Meets in India

The U.S. and India held a Joint Working Group on Aircraft Carrier Technology Cooperation meeting to discuss shared interests in developing aircraft carrier technology.

Key takeaways include:

The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to working together on the development of aircraft carrier technology.

The meeting focused on discussing potential areas of collaboration, including aircraft launch and recovery systems, advanced arresting gear, and propulsion systems.

The two countries also discussed ways to enhance cooperation on naval aviation safety and maintenance.

Both sides agreed to continue discussions and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

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Top 10 Navies

Navies have played a crucial role in shaping the course of history, from ancient times to the modern era. In the 21st century, with the increased globalization and interconnectivity of the world, the role of navies has become even more important. They are responsible for safeguarding national interests, protecting territorial waters, maintaining maritime security, and ensuring freedom of navigation on the high seas.

In this blog post, we will explore the world’s top 10 navies based on various factors such as fleet size, capabilities, technology, and operational experience. Understanding the relative strengths and weaknesses of the world’s navies is crucial in today’s global landscape as it provides insights into a country’s military power and geopolitical influence.

Moreover, as tensions continue to rise in various regions of the world, knowing which navies have the capability to project power and defend their interests is becoming increasingly important. This post will provide readers with an overview of the world’s top naval powers and their capabilities, enabling them to stay informed about the latest developments in the field of naval warfare.

Top 10 Navies of the World

Here are the top 10 navies in the world based on their number of ships and specific types:

United States Navy: The US Navy is the largest navy in the world, with a total of 490 ships, including 11 aircraft carriers, 22 cruisers, 67 destroyers, 11 frigates, and 72 submarines.

People’s Liberation Army Navy (China): China’s navy is rapidly expanding and currently has a total of 350 ships, including 2 aircraft carriers, 25 destroyers, 52 frigates, and 76 submarines.

Russian Navy: The Russian Navy has a total of 352 ships, including 1 aircraft carrier, 4 cruisers, 13 destroyers, 78 corvettes, and 60 submarines.

Indian Navy: The Indian Navy has a total of 295 ships, including 1 aircraft carrier, 11 destroyers, 14 frigates, and 16 submarines.

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force: Japan’s navy has a total of 154 ships, including 4 destroyers, 43 frigates, and 16 submarines.

Republic of Korea Navy: South Korea’s navy has a total of 166 ships, including 1 aircraft carrier, 12 destroyers, 13 frigates, and 22 submarines.

Royal Navy (United Kingdom): The UK’s navy has a total of 76 ships, including 2 aircraft carriers, 6 destroyers, 13 frigates, and 7 submarines.

French Navy: France’s navy has a total of 118 ships, including 1 aircraft carrier, 4 destroyers, 11 frigates, and 10 submarines.

Italian Navy: Italy’s navy has a total of 153 ships, including 2 aircraft carriers, 6 destroyers, 14 frigates, and 6 submarines.

Turkish Navy: Turkey’s navy has a total of 194 ships, including 16 frigates, 12 corvettes, and 12 submarines.