US, Chinese Navies Conduct Joint Exercise
A U.S. Navy littoral combat ship and a Chinese Navy frigate conducted a joint training exercise in the South China Sea. The U.S. Navy littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) and the China’s People's Liberation Army-Navy [PLA(N)] Jiangkai II frigate Hengshui (FFG 572) were conducting routine training and operations in international waters of the South China Sea when the ships realized a training opportunity was present, the U.S. Navy said. On February 23, the ships practiced the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES)…
India to Strengthen Naval Co-operation with Bangladesh
In a move towards strengthening its defence ties with Bangladesh, India will be exploring new avenues for naval cooperation towards achieving comprehensive maritime security in the Bay of Bengal. To this effect, Indian Chief of Naval Staff Admiral RK Dhowan reached Bangladesh on a four-day visit to consolidate the bilateral defence ties. Dhowan paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her Sangsad Bhaban office on Monday. At the meeting, he observed that the partnership between Bangladesh Navy and Indian Navy is excellent and there are many things to learn from this partnership. The Chief of Naval Staff is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with the three Service Chiefs at Dhaka as well as call on the President during his stay at Bangladesh.
Maritime Code Accord Could Solve Pacific Conflicts
Naval officers say accord does not directly address problems in disputed waters, but document could be initial step towards guarding against conflict. U.S. has long stood for clearer operational communications with Chinese fleet. Countries embroiled in territorial rows in the East and South China Seas agreed on Tuesday to abide by a maritime communications deal to try to ensure accidental naval altercations do not develop into a conflict. But military officers said the non-binding accord, signed altogether by more than 20 Pacific countries, was no more than a "rules of the road" manual. It was in no way meant to resolve territorial disputes pitting China against several neighbours over waters where fears of accidental clashes have raised the risk of broader turmoil.
China denies naval snub for Japan over fleet review
China's navy on Tuesday denied, in a roundabout way, that it snubbed Japan by not inviting it to join in a naval fleet review as part of an international symposium, saying the two events had never been linked in the first place. U.S. officials have said the United States was invited to join the parade of ships as part of activities linked to the Western Pacific Naval Symposium, which is being held this month in Qingdao, an eastern port city. Japan said it would participate in the regular symposium, but confirmed it had not been invited to the fleet review. But China's navy appeared to dispute the view that the fleet review had been scheduled as part of the symposium, in a statement on its official website.
Hawaii to Host 10th Western Pacific Naval Symposium
The U.S. Navy and Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet have invited naval leaders from 22 countries to Honolulu for the 10th Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) to discuss maritime security and other issues affecting the region’s navies. The symposium, scheduled for Oct. 30 to Nov. 2, allows participants to engage in discussions and training on critical international topics, such as combined exercises, regional security, military exchange programs, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, interoperability, navigation and communications. “We are all professional sailors,” said Adm. Gary Roughead, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Navies that have habitual working relationships are better able to respond to disasters…
Asia-Pacific Countries Bond To Protect Vital Sea Lanes
Fifteen ships and 1,500 personnel from 16 Asia-Pacific countries took part in exercises off Singapore on Tuesday with the aim of forging stronger ties to protect the region's vital sea lanes. The first Western Pacific Mine Countermeasure and Diving Exercises will continue until June 22 in the Strait of Singapore and the South China Sea. "The Malacca Strait, Singapore Strait and South China Sea together form one of the busiest shipping lanes in the region," Singapore's Defense Minister said. The defense minister said the drills would promote greater dialogue among the participating countries - Australia, Canada, China, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.
