13 November | 2023



A Bi-Weekly
Roundup of Key Events

November 1
US and Canadian Warships Conduct
Routine Transit of Taiwan Strait
The USS Rafael Peralta and the Royal Canadian Navy's HMCS
Ottawa conducted a routine transit of the Taiwan Strait. The
ships followed high-seas freedoms of navigation principles,
emphasizing the commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The transit adhered to international law and showcased
cooperation among allies in the region.

November 3
October 30 Japan and Philippines Initiate Defense
Pact Talks Amid Rising China Concerns
China Boosts Presence in
Solomon Islands
China is increasing its police presence in
the Solomon Islands, including a larger
police liaison team, ahead of the Pacific
Games, raising concerns in Australia about
Beijing's expanding influence. The move
comes after a series of security and
policing agreements between China and
the Solomon Islands. Australia, the current
major security partner, has pledged
support for the event but is wary of China's
growing role. The Pacific Games are seen as
an opportunity for China to showcase its
During Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's two-day visit
security assistance and establish itself as a
to Manila, leaders of Japan and the Philippines announced the
key partner in the region.
start of negotiations for a defense pact.

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The Reciprocal Access Agreement would enable troops
from both nations to conduct joint military exercises,
aimed at bolstering their alliance in response to
China's increasing assertiveness in the region. Kishida
also revealed the provision of coastal surveillance
radar to the Philippines through a grant, marking the
first beneficiary of Japan's newly launched security
assistance program. The proposed pact, if finalized,
would represent a significant enhancement in the
Japan-Philippines alliance amid regional security
challenges.
US Navy Conducts South China Sea
Freedom of Navigation Operation
The USS Dewey (DDG 105) conducted a freedom of
navigation operation (FONOP) near the Spratly Islands
in the South China Sea on November 3, challenging
restrictions on innocent passage imposed by China,
Taiwan, and Vietnam. The operation upheld interna-
tional law, demonstrating that such restrictions are
unlawful. The United States emphasizes its commit-
ment to defending the freedom of the seas, challeng-
ing excessive maritime claims worldwide. The FONOP
underscores the enduring role of the international
community in preserving global security, stability, and
prosperity through the protection of navigation rights
and freedoms.
November 6
Australia and China Seek to Rebuild
Trust as Leaders Discuss
Bilateral Ties
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to
Beijing, the first by an Australian leader since 2016,
underscores a significant shift in the strained ties
between the two nations.
President Xi Jinping expressed optimism, envisioning
Australia and China as "trusting partners" with shared
interests, including regional stability and climate
change. The meeting addressed longstanding issues
that soured relations, such as allegations of Chinese
interference and the Huawei ban. While obstacles
persist, both leaders seek to cooperate where possible,
demonstrating a commitment to rebuilding trust and
fostering a more constructive relationship.
South Korea Plans Debut Military
Spy Satellite Launch on Nov. 30
South Korea is set to launch its inaugural military spy
satellite on November 30, aimed at enhancing monitor-
ing capabilities of North Korea's expanding nuclear
weapons arsenal. The satellite will be launched from
California's Vandenberg Air Force Base using SpaceX's
Falcon 9 rocket. South Korea plans to deploy four
additional spy satellites by 2025, reinforcing its
independent space-based surveillance system. The
move seeks to bolster overall defense against North
Korea, providing South Korea with real-time monitor-
ing capabilities independent of U.S. spy satellites.
North Korea's recent failed attempts highlight its
interest in developing its own spy satellite.
November 7
Chinese Effort to Put Military Base in
Oman
China is reportedly planning to build a military facility
in Oman, deepening its ties with Middle East nations.
President Biden has been briefed on the matter,
indicating China's broader effort to strengthen defense
and diplomatic relations in the region. The potential
military base in Oman would complement China's
existing facility in Djibouti. The precise location and
purpose of the proposed base are not immediately
known. Oman, known for its policy of neutrality, acts as
a mediator in the region and maintains partnerships
with both the US and
Myanmar and Russia Initiate
Inaugural Maritime Security
Exercises
Myanmar and Russia held their inaugural joint
maritime exercises. The maritime drills, named MARU-
MEX, focus on preventing air, water, and underwater
threats. It is scheduled to be held from November 7 to
November 9.
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The exercise involves ships and aircraft from both
nations. Specific details about the types of ships
participating in the exercise include the antisubmarine
destroyer Admiral Tributs and another antisubmarine
ship, the Admiral Panteleyev.
November 8
US to Provide Over $550 Million for
Sri Lanka's Strategic Container
Terminal
The United States is set to lend more than $550 million
for the construction of Sri Lanka's Colombo West
International Terminal, a deep-sea container terminal.
The project, led by India's Adani Group, aims to count-
er China's growing influence in the Indian Ocean,
strategically positioned along major shipping routes.
The US-backed funding, provided by the International
Development Finance Corporation (DFC), underscores
efforts to strengthen Sri Lanka's infrastructure. Howev-
er, the move also reflects geopolitical considerations
amid China's Belt and Road Initiative. The terminal's
location next to a Chinese-run jetty raises questions
about regional power dynamics and potential military
implications.
November 9
US military exercises with partner
countries in the Indo-Pacific region
In the Indo-Pacific region, the Kamandag-7 joint
military exercise kicked off in the Philippines and the
South China Sea, testing the combat capabilities of US
Marines alongside forces from the Philippines, Japan,
and South Korea. Simultaneously, the Annualex-2023
exercise commenced off Japan's east coast on Novem-
ber 10, involving 6,000 personnel, 32 ships, and 35
aircraft from the US, Japanese, Australian, Canadian,
and Philippine navies. These drills, scheduled until
November 20, include an aircraft carrier strike group led
by the Carl Vinson and the potential deployment of
B-52H strategic bombers from Guam's Andersen Air
Base.
Shan State Uprising Rocks Myanmar's
Military Junta
Myanmar's military-installed president, former General
Myint Swe, has issued a warning that the country faces
fragmentation as anti-military insurgents launch
coordinated attacks in Shan State.
The insurgents, backed by ethnic armies, have
captured military posts, border crossings, and key
trade routes with China, dealing a severe blow to the
military junta since the 2021 coup. The insurgents, part
of the Brotherhood Alliance, aligned their operations
with the broader campaign against the junta. China's
lack of interference suggests frustration over the
junta's inaction against scam centers. The alliance aims
to gain ground, anticipating a potential junta collapse.
Deadly Border Clash Between Indian
and Pakistani Soldiers in Disputed
Kashmir
Indian and Pakistani soldiers engaged in gunfire and
shelling along the heavily militarized frontier in
disputed Kashmir, resulting in the death of an Indian
border guard. The exchange occurred in the southern
Jammu area, with India describing it as "unprovoked"
and asserting a befitting response. The longstanding
conflict over Kashmir has led to periodic skirmishes,
despite a 2003 cease-fire accord. Tensions persist
between the nuclear-armed neighbors, who claim the
region in its entirety, with the latest incident adding to
a history of bitter relations and occasional violence.
November 10
U.S. and India Strengthen Bilateral
Ties in 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue
In the fifth U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New
Delhi, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and External
Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar welcomed U.S. Secre-
tary of State Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of
Defense Lloyd J. Austin. Reaffirming the U.S.-India
Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, the
ministers pledged commitment to a free, open, and
inclusive Indo-Pacific, with a focus on mechanisms like
the Quad. They expressed deep concern over the war
in Ukraine, pledging humanitarian assistance and
supporting post-conflict reconstruction.
In defense cooperation, both sides committed to
enhancing the multifaceted partnership through joint
projects, military exercises, and collaboration in
emerging domains like space and artificial intelligence.
Discussions included the Roadmap for Defense Industri-
al Cooperation, co-production of defense systems, and
investment in India's growing defense sector.
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Counter-terrorism efforts were emphasized, condemn-
ing terrorism and violent extremism, with plans for
November 11
joint working groups and dialogues on cyber issues.
The ministers also discussed science and technology Arab Leaders Unite in Saudi
partnerships, health dialogues, and the growing trade Summit to Address Gaza Crisis
relationship, aiming to cross $200 billion in 2023.

The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue concluded with a focus

on strengthening people-to-people ties, addressing
global challenges through multilateral diplomacy,
and a shared commitment to a free and resilient
Indo-Pacific. The U.S. reaffirmed support for India's
UNSC aspirations, and the next 2+2 Ministerial is
anticipated in the U.S.

Philippines Accuses Chinese

Coastguard of Aggression in
South China Sea
The Philippines alleges that the Chinese coast guard
targeted a resupply boat with a water cannon near
Second Thomas Shoal. This follows recent clashes
during resupply missions, raising tensions in the
disputed region. China claims vast portions of the
South China Sea, challenging international rulings.
The joint summit in Saudi Arabia focused on the
worsening situation in Gaza, with leaders calling for an
immediate cessation of military operations and the
release of captives. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin
Salman emphasized the humanitarian catastrophe and
criticized the international community's failure to
address Israel's violations. The summit aimed to unify
efforts in response to the exceptional circumstances in
Gaza, with leaders expressing concerns about Israel's
actions and advocating for a collective position. The
meeting included representatives from the Organisa-
tion of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League.

Contributors
Shamsuddoza Sajen
Journalist and Researcher
sajen1986@gmail.com

Mohammad Nihad Nowsher

Research Assistant at Centre for Governance Studies (CGS)
nihad@cgs-bd.com

Bahauddin Ahmed
Digital Coordinator at Centre for Governance Studies (CGS)
bahauddin@cgs-bd.com

45/1, New Eskaton, 2nd Floor, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh

Email: ed@cgs-bd.com, Web: www.cgs-bd.com

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