Asian defence news

Here are some recent Asian defense news updates:

China

• China has deployed its first homegrown aircraft carrier, the Shandong, to the South China Sea, according to reports. (Source: South China Morning Post)
• China has launched a new naval base in the Pacific Ocean, its first overseas military base, in the small Pacific island nation of Vanuatu. (Source: BBC)
• China has announced plans to increase its military spending by 7.5% in 2023, with a focus on modernizing its armed forces and improving its ability to project power abroad. (Source: Reuters)

India

• India has signed a deal with Russia to purchase 21 MiG-29 fighter jets, as well as upgrade its existing fleet of MiG-29s. (Source: The Hindu)
• India has launched a new naval base in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which is strategically located in the Bay of Bengal. (Source: The Times of India)
• India has announced plans to increase its military spending by 12% in 2023, with a focus on modernizing its armed forces and improving its ability to counter threats from China and Pakistan. (Source: Business Standard)

Japan

• Japan has announced plans to increase its military spending by 1.8% in 2023, with a focus on modernizing its armed forces and improving its ability to counter threats from North Korea and China. (Source: Nikkei Asia)
• Japan has launched a new naval base in the southern island of Okinawa, which is strategically located in the Pacific Ocean. (Source: The Japan Times)
• Japan has signed a deal with the United States to purchase 105 F-35 fighter jets, as well as upgrade its existing fleet of F-15 fighter jets. (Source: The Japan Times)

South Korea

• South Korea has announced plans to increase its military spending by 7.4% in 2023, with a focus on modernizing its armed forces and improving its ability to counter threats from North Korea. (Source: Yonhap News Agency)
• South Korea has launched a new naval base in the southern city of Busan, which is strategically located on the coast of the Yellow Sea. (Source: The Korea Herald)
• South Korea has signed a deal with the United States to purchase 40 F-35 fighter jets, as well as upgrade its existing fleet of F-15 fighter jets. (Source: The Korea Times)

Southeast Asia

• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has launched a new defense cooperation initiative, aimed at promoting regional security and stability. (Source: ASEAN.org)
• The Philippines has announced plans to increase its military spending by 10% in 2023, with a focus on modernizing its armed forces and improving its ability to counter threats from China. (Source: The Philippine Star)
• Indonesia has launched a new naval base in the eastern city of Ambon, which is strategically located in the Maluku Islands. (Source: The Jakarta Post)

Other news

• The United States has announced plans to increase its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on countering threats from China and North Korea. (Source: The New York Times)
• Russia has announced plans to increase its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on countering threats from the United States and its allies. (Source: TASS)
• The European Union has launched a new defense cooperation initiative, aimed at promoting regional security and stability. (Source: EUobserver)