MM Defence & Government Procurement Agents ’s Post

Weekly Roundup: Maritime Security Highlights As we conclude the week, here are some of the stories that has shaped the state of maritime security for this week. ⚠️ Houthis can get supersonic antiship missiles from Russia Reports indicate Yemen's #Houthi rebels may acquire supersonic antiship missiles from #Russia, potentially shifting the dynamics of maritime security in the #RedSea and increasing risks for shipping and #insurance rates. 🌍 Russian Navy Ship fired at Norwegian Fishing Boat in Naval Excercise with China A Russian warship fired warning shots at a #Norwegian fishing boat during military exercises in the #BarentsSea, raising concerns about the safety of civilian maritime activities amidst military operations. 🌍 China Increases it's Military Presence in the South China Sea China’s naval capabilities are on the rise, with the deployment of three aircraft carriers signaling a shift in global naval dynamics. This coincides with increased military activities in the region, affecting #geopoliticalstability. ⚠️ A Missile Strike in Odessa Port Raises Tension in Black Sea The #BlackSea is becoming increasingly dangerous for commercial vessels, highlighted by a missile strike on the #GoldenLion, resulting in injuries and damage. This escalation underscores the need for heightened vigilance in protecting seafarers and trade routes. As these developments unfold, we must stay informed and proactive in order to be prepared of what ever comes our way. 🌊🌍🌊🌍

China’s military – bringing together modernisation and escalating aggression #bne #bneEditorsPicks #China In recent years, the PRC has escalated both maritime and aerial incursions into Taiwan's territory, including detaining a Taiwanese fishing boat, conducting patrols that crossed the Taiwan Strait's median line, and increasing harassment around Kinmen. More recently, following Taiwan’s National Day on October 10, Chinese air and naval forces surrounded Taiwan in Beijing’s most aggressive show of force to date. These actions build on a surge in air sorties violating Taiwan’s Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), which rose from 972 in 2021 to 3,119 in 2022, and continued climbing through 2024.

'It is simply not credible to assert that these incidents are spontaneous or occur independently of the Chinese military chain of command. 'As with any form of bullying, maintaining silence in the face of it only empowers the bully. So Australia’s quick, clear and measured response to the latest incident is encouraging. 'China knows how highly Australia regards the wellbeing and safety of its service personnel. These incidents cumulatively test Canberra’s resolve to continue operating in China’s maritime periphery in peacetime. 'The government should therefore be careful to back [RAN chief, Vice-Admiral] Hammond. It should also pre-empt any Chinese perception that Canberra can be coerced into reining in defence operations, not only in Northeast Asia but also in conducting more joint patrols with the US, Japan and the Philippines in the South China Sea'. https://lnkd.in/g_FP69N6

This isn't surprising! If you consider the leverage Xi has over Putin, through China's support to Russia over the past 2 years, joint patrols should be expected for the foreseeable future. I imagine financing the pipeline came with an Arctic access requirement. (https://lnkd.in/eRDTRgVA) (https://lnkd.in/exGAk2it)

Signal the Philippines???? Just come out and say signal the US. It is not as if the Philippine Navy and Coastguard were a match for the PLN - and the new aircraft carrier tipped the scales in China's favour. "They" - "they caution that the current combined carrier fleet of the US and Japanese navies would make it ‘suicidal’ for China to try and take them on." The US has 10 aircraft carriers, assuming they can put 4 into the Pacific, they would still outnumber the PLN's combat aircraft. There is no need for the Japanese to get involved - at this point. But let's get serious - no one is going to war over the Spratlys. Accidents can happen, but neither the US or China is going to risk WW3 over the Spratlys. Or Philippines.

Russian, Chinese sailors practice maritime rescue in East China Sea In accordance with the scenario of the drills, sailors responded to a mayday call issued by a civilian vessel in the vicinity MOSCOW, October 16/ Crews of Russian and Chinese warships practiced a maritime rescue operation in the East China Sea, the Russian Pacific Fleet’s press service said. "Warships of the Russian and Chinese navies have held maritime rescue drills in the East China Sea," the fleet said. "A joint Russian-Chinese task force currently continues its patrol mission in the Asia Pacific region." In accordance with the scenario of the drills, sailors responded to a mayday call issued by a civilian vessel in the vicinity. A Ka-27PS rescue helicopter was sent to the area. After examining the designated area, its crew located a "person in distress," simulated by a dummy. It was lifted aboard the helicopter by the Russian rescue team and flown to the Admiral Tributs large anti-submarine ship, where it received first aid. The Russian task force comprises the Admiral Panteleyev and the Admiral Tributs large anti-submarine ships. The Chinese Navy is represented by the Xining and Wuxi destroyers, the Linyi frigate and the Taihu integrated supply ship. The Russian and Chinese warships began joint patrols after practicing air and anti-submarine defense at a joint exercise, headlined Interaction 2024. Among other things, the exercise included a number of practical drills in anti-submarine warfare and maritime rescue. #business #finance #financialservices

China's military conducted drills near Huangyan Island, also known as Scarborough Shoal, an area contested with the Philippines. The exercises were described as a test of air and sea combat capabilities and a response to simultaneous military activities by the United States, Australia, Canada, and the Philippines. The Southern Theatre Command stated the drills improved reconnaissance and early warning abilities. The tension between Beijing and Manila has intensified over China's claims to much of the South China Sea, which an international tribunal has ruled has no legal basis. Scarborough Shoal, 240 km from the Philippines and almost 900 km from China's Hainan, has been a point of contention since China took control in 2012. Recent confrontations included incidents involving Chinese coastguards boarding Philippine naval vessels. The U.S. has committed $500 million in military aid to the Philippines, a move China criticized as provocative. Other nations, including Vietnam and Malaysia, are also involved in territorial disputes in the region, contributing to U.S.-China tensions. #AsiaRisk #SouthChinaSea #China Follow us for daily updates on risk and operations in Asia! https://lnkd.in/gSuk2VRq

𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀, 𝗨𝗦, 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗮 On Wednesday 7 August, the Philippines, the United States, Canada and Australia commenced their first joint military exercises in the South China Sea, marking a significant development in regional security cooperation. This collaborative effort, a two-day sea and air exercise, underscores the participating nations' commitment to respond to China’s intimidating actions. The exercises are particularly notable given the strategic importance of the South China Sea. In this vital waterway, several territorial disputes have heightened tensions in recent years, especially due to its richness in fishing stocks. These drills are designed to enhance the operational capabilities of the involved forces (both naval and air units), focusing on maritime security, interoperability and freedom of navigation. The joint exercises demonstrate a unified stance among the four nations in ensuring the safety and stability of the region. In fact, in 2016, an international tribunal in The Hague said China's claims have no legal basis. By engaging in these activities, the countries aim to improve their ability to respond to any potential threats in these contested waters and show their commitment to upholding international law. The timing of these exercises is particularly significant as it comes amid ongoing disputes over territorial claims in the South China Sea, where China has been increasingly assertive. In fact, also yesterday, in a show of force China simultaneously carried out a combat patrol to test "strike capabilities" near Scarborough Shoal, an area of the South China Sea that is claimed by both China and the Philippines. As such, this joint effort reflects a broader strategy to counterbalance China's influence and claims in the region. Photo by US Navy/Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 1st Class Dalton Cooper/Handout via REUTERS)

Australian is imposing targeted sanctions on an additional 5 Iranian people and three entities, in response to Iran’s “destabilising actions in the Middle East”. Australia has now sanctioned 90 Iranian-linked individuals and 100 entities. The consolidated list is here. https://lnkd.in/eypAd_5s The latest added to this list include: Iran’s Defence Minister, Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, and the Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) Qods Force, Brigadier General Esmail Qaani. Iranian senior officials, businesspeople and companies that have contributed to the development of Iran’s missile and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) programs. the IRGC Navy, which seized an Israeli-linked (Portuguese-flagged) civilian vessel in international waters on 13 April 2024. #UKSanctions #Russia #EUCommission #ExportControl #TradeWar #TSECS #SanctionsUpdate #TurkishSociety #Sanctions #USA #OFAC #BIS #TradeUpdates #GlobalTrade #TradeCompliance #InternationalRelations #EconomicSanctions #TradeRegulations #TurkishExports #TradePolicy #SecurityMatters #ForeignPolicy #ComplianceNews #EconomicSecurity #CrossBorderBusiness

The Valiant Shield 2024 exercise in the Pacific involved two U.S. aircraft carrier strike groups - the USS Ronald Reagan and USS Theodore Roosevelt. The exercise focused on integration and interoperability between U.S. and allied forces, with participation from Japan, France, and Canada. In the Philippine Sea, the Reagan strike group conducted a formation sailing event with Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force ships, including the helicopter destroyer JS Izumo and submarine JS Jingei. U.S. and Japanese fighter jets also conducted a flyover as part of the exercise. Separately in the South China Sea, the Theodore Roosevelt strike group conducted a transit alongside French and Canadian frigates. This was in support of the broader Valiant Shield 2024 drills. Notably, during this time, a Dutch Navy frigate conducting sanctions enforcement patrols against North Korea in the East China Sea was harassed by Chinese warplanes, creating a potentially unsafe situation. This highlights the ongoing tensions in the region. The multinational Valiant Shield exercise demonstrates the U.S. military's commitment to strengthening partnerships and interoperability with allies in the Indo-Pacific amid rising strategic competition. #USNavy #CarrierStrikeGroup #MultidomainOperations #IndoPacific #NavalExercise #MarineDefense #Alliances