security and defence

2013-03-13T120000Z_1144258177_GM1E93D1F0701_RTRMADP_3_VIETNAM-CHINA-SPRATLY-scaled

October 6 2023

Vietnam, bagian penting dari teka-teki Indo-Pasifik Amerika

Rifani Agnes Eka Wahyuni Asia Pacific, Politics, Security and Defence, Think amerika serikat, Indo-Pasifik, security and defence, Vietnam 0

Dalam hubungan internasional, pergantian strategis bukanlah hal yang aneh, dan pada kenyataannya tertanam dalam realitas struktural yang anarkis. Namun, bahkan dengan standar tersebut, dinamika dan skala perubahan yang terjadi dalam hubungan antara Amerika Serikat dan Vietnam sejak Perang Dingin sangatlah luar biasa. Pada tanggal 10 September, Sekretaris Jenderal Komite Sentral Partai Komunis Vietnam, Nguyen Phu Trong, dan Presiden AS, Joe Biden, bertemu di Vietnam dalam kunjungan Presiden Biden, menandai fase baru dalam hubungan bilateral kedua negara.[1] Hal yang menonjol dari pertemuan ini adalah peningkatan hubungan AS-Vietnam menjadi Kemitraan Strategis Komprehensif AS-Vietnam dari Kemitraan Komprehensif AS-Vietnam yang ditempa pada tahun 2013 antara Presiden Vietnam Truong Tan Sang dan Presiden AS Barack Obama.[2]

Warisan kebijakan luar negeri yang kompleks

Mengingat sejarah keterlibatan AS yang kompleks di Vietnam selama Perang Dingin, peningkatan ini menandai sebuah langkah maju yang signifikan. Meskipun Vietnam menahan diri secara strategis, motivasi untuk meningkatkan hubungan bilateral telah ada di kedua belah pihak, setidaknya sejak tahun 2013, jika tidak sebelumnya. Keraguan Vietnam untuk menjalin kemitraan strategis dengan AS memiliki relevansi kontemporer dan historis. Geopolitik yang melibatkan peningkatan kekuatan militer China di teater Pasifik, yang paling terasa di perairan sekitar Vietnam dan Laut China Selatan yang lebih luas, telah terbukti menjadi penangkal pertama bagi keterlibatan kekuatan besar Vietnam. Di sisi lain, warisan sejarah hubungan Vietnam yang diperebutkan dengan A.S. selama Perang Vietnam, hubungan poros dengan negara-negara komunis China dan Uni Soviet, yang berpuncak pada Perjanjian Persahabatan dan Kerja Sama dengan Uni Soviet pada tahun 1978,[3] bersama-sama memberikan arah yang berlawanan secara diametris dengan kepentingan A.S. Warisan kebijakan luar negeri yang kompleks ini adalah alasan mengapa sampai saat ini Vietnam hanya menjalin ‘kemitraan strategis komprehensif’ dengan empat negara: China, Rusia, India, dan Korea Selatan.

Tahun ini menandai peringatan 50 tahun Perjanjian Perdamaian Paris yang ditandatangani pada tahun 1973 untuk mengakhiri Perang Vietnam. Banyak peritiwa yang menggambarkan bagaimana hubungan Vietnam dengan AS telah berkembang pesat. Kebijakan Indo-Pasifik Presiden Biden sekarang menganggap Vietnam sebagai salah satu ‘mitra regional terkemuka’ AS di kawasan ini.[4] Vietnam adalah mitra dagang barang terbesar ke-10 A.S. Pada tahun 2020, total nilai perdagangan barang dan jasa antara A.S. dan Vietnam mencapai sekitar $92,2 miliar dan melebihi $138 miliar pada tahun 2022.[5] Pada Mei 2022, Kerangka Kerja Ekonomi Indo-Pasifik untuk Kemakmuran (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity – IPEF) diluncurkan oleh AS, dengan Vietnam sebagai anggota pendiri bersama dengan 13 negara lainnya untuk menghidupkan kembali dinamisme ekonomi Washington di Asia-Pasifik.[6]

Memperluas hubungan

Pemerintahan Biden telah menggambarkan kegesitan yang tidak biasa dalam merangkul Vietnam secara strategis. Kunjungan Menteri Pertahanan AS Lloyd Austin[7] dan Wakil Presiden Kamala Harris ke Vietnam pada tahun 2021,[8] pertemuan antara Menteri Austin dan Menteri Pertahanan Nasional Vietnam Jenderal Phan Van Giang di Singapura pada Juni 2022,[9] serta kunjungan Menteri Luar Negeri AS Antony J. Blinken dan Menteri Keuangan Janet Yellen[10] pada tahun ini telah mencapai puncaknya dengan kunjungan Biden dan peningkatan hubungan bilateral.

Hubungan AS-Vietnam sekarang dengan cepat memperluas spektrum bilateral dengan penekanan pada peningkatan kepercayaan politik, penguatan kerja sama sains, teknologi, kesehatan dan inovasi digital, pelatihan tenaga kerja berkualitas tinggi, mengatasi perubahan iklim, dan membangun hubungan pertahanan yang kuat dengan latar belakang meningkatnya ketegasan China. Mengatasi masalah warisan menggarisbawahi upaya kerja sama ini.

China yang tegas

Perang di Eropa telah memberikan tantangan baru bagi Vietnam karena impor senjata dari Rusia – pemasok pertahanan terbesarnya – telah terkena sanksi yang dipimpin oleh Barat.[11] Keterbatasan ini dalam menghadapi tekad Vietnam untuk memodernisasi militernya, ditambah dengan ketegasan yang terus meningkat dari China, juga secara bertahap mendorong Vietnam ke arah yang baru. Langkah dramatis China pada tahun 2014 untuk menempatkan anjungan minyak di Zona Ekonomi Eksklusif Vietnam dan sikap tegas selanjutnya telah menguji kebijakan yang telah diikrarkan untuk menjauhi politik kekuatan besar di wilayah tersebut.[12] Tidak diragukan lagi, Washington merasakan adanya peluang di sini dan memperkuat hubungan pertahanan dan keamanan dengan Vietnam merupakan bagian penting dari strategi besar Amerika di Indo-Pasifik.

Komponen penting dari kunjungan Presiden Biden adalah untuk memulai proses rantai pasokan yang mendukung teman di industri semikonduktor ke Vietnam, bahkan ketika Vietnam berusaha untuk meningkatkan kemampuan manufaktur chip Hanoi.[13] Ketika kedua negara ini mencari kemitraan ekonomi yang diperluas dengan meningkatkan investasi di bidang teknologi kritis, chip dan Kecerdasan Buatan, terdapat ruang untuk menghubungkan kemitraan semacam itu di seluruh wilayah yang lebih luas di Indo-Pasifik dengan mitra-mitra yang berpikiran sama. Prakarsa kemitraan Teknologi Kritis dan Berkembang (iCET) India dengan AS,[14] bersama dengan Prinsip-prinsip Quad tentang teknologi kritis dan berkembang dapat memberikan kerangka kerja menyeluruh di Indo-Pasifik untuk standarisasi teknologi dalam desain, pengembangan, dan penggunaannya. Lengkungan rantai pasokan yang membentang dari Vietnam ke Eropa melalui Asia Barat, dan berlabuh di India dengan Koridor Ekonomi India-Timur Tengah-Eropa[15] yang baru saja diluncurkan selama pertemuan G-20 baru-baru ini di India dapat melambangkan ‘kemitraan strategis komprehensif’ dengan cara yang tepat.

[1] Ministrry of Defense. General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong chairs an official welcome ceremony for US President. 11 September 2023. http://mod.gov.vn/en/detail/sa-en-news/sa-en-news-vn/general-secretary-nguyen-phu-trong-chairs-an-official-welcome-ceremony-for-us-president#:~:text=On%20September%2010%20afternoon%2C%20General,of%20the%20official%20welcome%20ceremony.

[2] U.S. Department of State. U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership. 16 Desember 2013. https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2013/218734.htm

[3]Kevin Klose Soviets and Vietnamese Sign Treaty, Warn Chinese. The Washington Post. 4 November 1978. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1978/11/04/soviets-and-vietnamese-sign-treaty-warn-chinese/e7be2390-fc73-441d-b91c-2a196d6476b7/

[4] Bich Tran. U.S.-Vietnam Cooperation under Biden’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. CSIS. 2 Maret 2022. https://www.csis.org/analysis/us-vietnam-cooperation-under-bidens-indo-pacific-strategy

[5] Office of the United States Trade Representative. Vietnam. https://ustr.gov/countries-regions/southeast-asia-pacific/vietnam

[6] Office of the United States Trade Representative. Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF). https://ustr.gov/trade-agreements/agreements-under-negotiation/indo-pacific-economic-framework-prosperity-ipef

[7] William Choong, Hoang Thi Ha, Le Hong Hiep & Ian Storey.US Secretary of Defense Llyod Austin’s Southeast Asia Tour: Assurances and Dividens. ISEAS. https://www.iseas.edu.sg/articles-commentaries/iseas-perspective/2021-103-us-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-austins-southeast-asia-tour-assurances-and-dividends-by-william-choong-hoang-thi-ha-le-hong-hiep-and-ian-storey/

[8]Annika Kim Constantino. Vice President Kamala Harris to Visit Vietnam and Singapore amid tensions with China. CNBC News. 30 Juli 2021. https://www.cnbc.com/2021/07/30/vice-president-kamala-harris-to-visit-vietnam-and-singapore.html

[9]U.S. Departement of DEFENSE. Readout of Secretary of DEFENSE Llyod J. Austin III Meeting With VietnaM Minister of National Defense Phan Van Giang. 10 Juni 2022. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3059187/readout-of-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-meeting-with-vietnam-ministe/

[10] Aniruddha Ghosal. Yellen visits Vietnam, seeking to build US ties and supply chains, and offset tension with China. AP News.20 Juli2023. https://apnews.com/article/yellen-vietnam-china-energy-semiconductor-b5cebf1996995fc32726862832c673f4

[11] Francesco Guarascio & Khanh Vu. Analysis:Vietnam shifts gears on arms trade as it loosens ties with Russia. Reuters. 7 Desember 2022. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/vietnam-shifts-gears-arms-trade-it-loosens-ties-with-russia-2022-12-07/

[12] Huong Le Thu. China’s Incursion Into Vietnam’s EEZ and Lesso from the Past. Asia Maritime Transparancey Initiative. 8 Agustus 2019. https://amti.csis.org/chinas-incursion-into-vietnams-eez-and-lessons-from-the-past/

[13] Maria Siow. US-Vietnam realtions:Biden’s ‘friendshoring’chips push hits a snag as Hanoi ‘cannot decouple from China’. South China Morning Post. 13 September 2023.https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3234306/us-vietnam-relations-bidens-friendshoring-chip-push-hits-snag-hanoi-cannot-decouple-china

[14] The White House. FACT SHEET: United States and India Elevate Strategic Partnership with the initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology. 31 Januari 2023.https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/01/31/fact-sheet-united-states-and-india-elevate-strategic-partnership-with-the-initiative-on-critical-and-emerging-technology-icet/#:~:text=President%20Biden%20and%20Prime%20Minister,institutions%20of%20our%20two%20countries.

[15]Aljazeera. G20 summit: Transport project to link India ti Middle East, Europe unveiled. 9 September 2023. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/9/g20-summit-transport-project-to-link-india-to-middle-east-europe-unveiled

NATO Offers Ukraine More Support But Not Membership by CEPA

July 21 2023

NATO on Ukraine: Full Military Support, Rather than a Membership

Chatrine Debora America, Europe, Politics, Security and Defence, Think NATO, Rusia, Russia Ukraine War, security and defence, Ukraine 0

NATO leaders have convened their yearly summit, and one of the agenda is about Ukraine’s potential membership. Ukraine seeks the security alliance’s assistance in countering Russian forces that have invaded its territory. However, the lack of a clear timeline for Ukraine’s membership in the Vilnius communique has disappointed President Zelenskyy and Ukrainian officials.

During the NATO summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly criticized the lack of a specific timeline for Ukraine’s membership in the alliance, labeling it “absurd.” His remarks injected a wave of criticism into the gathering, which aimed to demonstrate unity against Russian aggression. The Ukrainian president also emphasized the unprecedented and illogical nature of the situation where neither the invitation nor the membership timeline has been established. He stressed that uncertainty undermined the strength and vowed to openly address this matter during the summit.

Zelenskyy’s remarks potentially revive tensions at the summit, despite the recent positive development of Turkey supporting Sweden’s bid to join NATO. The hope among allies is to resolve the fluctuating negotiations and depart from Vilnius with a clear plan for the alliance’s future and its support for Ukraine.

The US and Germany are still hesitant to support Ukraine’s membership

Ukraine’s NATO membership is crucial if the West wants to deter Russia and shows its support for Ukraine. It all depends on the political will of NATO leaders, as the Baltic countries, notably Lithuania, the summit host, have advocated for a robust display of support and a distinct route for Ukraine’s accession to NATO. Nevertheless, the United States and Germany have advocated a more cautious approach as President Biden remarked that Ukraine is not yet prepared to join the alliance. Why do the leaders still hesitant?

President Biden emphasized that member countries must fulfill all the requirements, including aspects related to democratization and various other issues. This acknowledgment reflects longstanding concerns about governance and corruption in Kyiv. Moreover, there are apprehensions among some that Ukraine’s inclusion in NATO could potentially provoke Russia rather than act as a deterrent against aggression. The United States and most European nations are unwilling to engage in direct confrontation with Russia that would cross a perceived “red line” between Russia and NATO. The invitation for Ukraine to join NATO is not viable until the ongoing conflict in the country is resolved.

Several problematic scenarios surround Ukraine’s potential accession to NATO. One scenario is Ukraine engaging in a prolonged fight to regain control over its entire territory before joining the alliance, which would come at great costs and could last for years. Another possibility, similar to West Germany’s situation in 1955, is Ukraine joining NATO while still divided, leaving millions of Ukrainians under occupation and perpetuating territorial partition. Some have suggested applying Ukraine-specific caveats based on the ambiguous language of Article 5, but this could undermine the deterrent power of the alliance. Military intervention by NATO to help Ukraine restore its borders is also unlikely and not a feasible option.

Given these challenging scenarios, it becomes clear why NATO allies hesitate to extend an invitation to Ukraine until the conflict is resolved and a more favorable situation arises. However, the alliance affirmed that ‘Ukraine’s future is in NATO,’ reflecting political support and ambiguity of NATO’s approach. In the communique, the NATO leaders have agreed on a package to help Ukrainian forces adopt Western standards and establish a new NATO-Ukraine Council. The communiqué highlights that allies will provide ongoing support and evaluate Ukraine’s advancements in interoperability and necessary democratic and security sector reforms. NATO leaders argue this is a good step forward for Ukraine’s future membership in NATO.

In addition, the Western leaders of the G7 have committed to creating a framework of long-term security arrangements to ensure ongoing weapons supply and economic support to Ukraine as the war continues. This joint declaration intends to ensure that Ukraine is never left vulnerable to the brutal actions inflicted by Russia. As part of these efforts, the UK has announced providing an additional 70 combat and logistics vehicles to Ukraine and thousands of ammunition for the previously donated 14 Challenger 2 tanks. Furthermore, a £50 million contract will assist in supplying spare parts, technical support, and maintenance training for the equipment already supplied.

Several NATO members, such as Germany ad France have also pledged to supply or enhance military support to Kyiv. France has sent Scalp long-range missiles to Ukraine, similar to the Storm Shadow weapons previously provided by the UK. Germany has committed to increasing its defense budget to meet the NATO target of 2% of GDP next year.

Additionally, Ukraine has reached agreements with 11 countries to facilitate the training of its pilots in flying NATO-standard F-16 fighter aircraft. This development is seen as a precursor to Ukraine eventually acquiring these warplanes, but it remains unclear whether the US will grant permission for their donation before or after the conclusion of the war. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov confirmed the formation of a coalition for F-16 training of the Ukrainian air force.

While the path to Ukraine’s NATO membership remains complex and uncertain, NATO has expressed political support for Ukraine’s future within the alliance. The hesitancy of the United States and Germany is rooted in the need for Ukraine to fulfill requirements and concerns over provoking Russia. Nonetheless, NATO continues to support Ukraine, with ongoing evaluations of progress and commitments to assist in adopting Western standards. As Ukraine progresses in its reforms and addresses challenges, the potential for NATO membership will become clearer.

BEIJING, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 18: Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a signing ceremony with King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein of Jordan at the Great Hall of People on September 18, 2013 in Beijing, China. At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein of Jordan paid a state visit to China from September 15 to 18. (Photo by Feng Li - Pool/Getty Images)

March 20 2023

Xi Jinping Reaffirms China’s National Security Focus in NPC

Chatrine Debora Asia Pacific, Politics, Security and Defence, Social and Culture, Think defense strategy, Pertahanan Keamanan, security and defence, xi jin 0

The National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s largest annual political event, ended with President Xi Jinping securing an unprecedented third term in office and influencing important policies that will guide the country’s economy in the coming year. Xi was unanimously endorsed for another five years as China’s president, making him the longest-serving head of state in Communist China’s history.

In his speech, he reemphasises his effort for national rejuvenation on all fronts and mentions putting the people first in this effort. He wants to gain more trust and ‘independence’ to apply his political goals and ambition for China. President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of coordinating development and security, stating that “security is the foundation for development, stability is the prerequisite for prosperity.” The statement highlights the critical role of security and stability in achieving long-term economic growth and prosperity. A country cannot focus solely on economic development and neglect its national security concerns without jeopardizing its economic stability and growth.

A stable and secure environment provides a foundation for economic growth by instilling investor confidence, fostering domestic entrepreneurship, and promoting innovation. This is particularly true in the case of China, which has undergone rapid economic growth over the past few decades and is now one of the world’s largest economies. By prioritizing security and stability, China seeks to create an environment that fosters economic growth and prosperity while protecting the interests of its citizens. This involves safeguarding the country’s borders and territorial integrity and addressing various security challenges, including geopolitical tensions.

Xi’s effort against external threats

Xi Jinping said, “We must fully promote the modernisation of national defence and the armed forces, and build the people’s armed forces into a Great Wall of Steel that effectively safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests.” Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed to strengthen national security and build a robust military during his third term in the dynamic security threats and challenges on regional and global scales.

Expectedly, Xi’s speech has a nationalist tone, referencing China’s hardships at the hands of “bullying foreign powers” and the Communist Party’s leadership in overcoming national humiliation. Xi sees China as a powerful nation that has been mistreated and that it is the Communist Party’s responsibility to ensure that the world stage needs to respect China. Xi wants the people to believe that he could protect China, as he refocuses the statement on external threats, so China needs to strengthen its domestic capability.

There are hard and soft dimensions of security linkage between the triad. Regarding military matters, the relationship between security, stability, and the economy is straightforward and apparent. A nation can only afford to spend on military expenditures when its economy is robust and flourishing. Additionally, it is simpler to allocate funds for defence when there is an imminent and genuine threat from outside. In such circumstances, decisions to invest in defence are made swiftly due to pressure among states. John J. Mearsheimer’s offensive realism theory asserts that states are in constant competition with one another for power and security. In the context of China, this theory suggests that China seeks to expand its power and influence in the international system to secure its interests.

Based on this theory, it appears that China is pursuing a multi-dimensional strategy that involves internal economic and military reforms and assertive and effective diplomacy on the external level. China’s economic growth has been a key factor in its rise as a major global player, and it has been able to leverage its economic power to pursue its strategic goals. China’s internal economic reforms have focused on increasing productivity, and China has also been investing heavily in its military, modernizing its forces and expanding its capabilities.

On the external front, China has pursued assertive diplomacy to advance its strategic interests while avoiding direct military confrontation. Given the dynamic ‘external’ security threats and challenges on regional and global scales, China’s focus on national security is unsurprising. As one of the biggest economic power, China has decided to raise its annual military budget, reflecting rising geopolitical tensions and a regional arms race. China is facing territorial disputes with neighbouring countries, such as Japan, India, and Vietnam, as well as growing tensions with the US over trade, technology, and human rights issues. Chinese President Xi Jinping also calls to strengthen national security and reunify Taiwan with mainland China.

Xi’s speech focuses on consolidating power, asserting China’s influence, and reunifying Taiwan with mainland China. Xi has emphasised the need to promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations while opposing external interference and Taiwan’s separatist activities. These ambitions have invited more international actors, including the US, to suppress China. Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang’s recent statement highlights China’s assertive stance on Taiwan. Qing reiterated that Taiwan is a domestic issue and no other country has the right to interfere, calling it a “red line” that Washington must not cross. This statement comes amid growing tensions between China and the US, exacerbated by the Biden administration’s approach towards Taiwan.

In addition, China has also been investing heavily in its military capability and expanding its presence in strategic regions such as the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean. Xi has also consolidated his control over the military and civilian arms of government, becoming China’s most assertive and dominant leader in a generation. He has unleashed sweeping reforms on the Chinese military, making it a modern fighting force and building its navy into the largest in the world.

February 20 2023

Japan National Security Strategy in The Middle of China’s ‘Threats’

Chatrine Debora Asia Pacific, Politics, Security and Defence, Think China, Japan, North Korea, Nuclear, security and defence 0

On 16 December 2022, the Japanese government approved three key security documents to guide the nation’s foreign and defence policies for the next ten years. According to the national news media, the central pillar of the documents, such as the National Security Strategy (NSS), the National Defense Strategy (NDS), and the Defense Buildup Program (DBP), reflect a significant shift in the nation’s postwar security policy. The NSS specifies the possession of counterstrike capabilities, especially on missiles, for self-defence purposes.

Japan used to only referred the counterstrike capabilities in the self-defence scope but never specified the possession of such capabilities as part of its policy. To improve its ‘counterstrike capability,’ Japan’s cabinet also approved a 20 per cent rise in the defence budget for 2023 to 6.8 trillion yen or USD5,5 billion. Cited from Al Jazeera, the increase in military spending is part of the new NSS goals to double Japan’s defence spending to 2 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2027, in line with NATO standards. The budget includes Japan’s plan to purchase US-made Tomahawks at 211.3 billion yen or $1,6 billion and other long-range cruise missiles capable of hitting targets in China or North Korea. Then, what makes Japan change its policy and strategy?

China as the ‘greatest strategic challenge’

Changes in Japan’s latest NSS are due to a rise in challenges and security threats from China, North Korea, and its ally Russia. China and Japan have been in high-alert tension for so long, and now with the perception that China can invade Taiwan at any time, Japan is more conscious of its security challenges. In its strategy documents, Japan stated that the US and China’s rivalry has increasingly become an arms buildup.

The new NSS also states, “China’s current external stance, military activities, and other activities have become a matter of serious concern for Japan and the international community, and present an unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge in ensuring the peace and security of Japan and the peace and stability of the international community as well as in strengthening the international order based on the rule of law.” The phrases reflect that the Japanese have seen China as a serious concern and threat to its vital interest, which is the state’s survival, sovereignty, and regional stability.

The statement also refers to China’s military modernisation program and increasing maritime pressure on Japan in the East China Sea, where China claimed the uninhabited Senkaku Island, which they called Diayou. The Japanese Defense Ministry confirmed that the Chinese Coast Guard and its naval ships have wandered around the Senkakus.

North Korea’s missile threats

From the North Korean side, on the 75th anniversary of the North Korean army, President North Korea Kim Jong Un revealed the new solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The parade showed at least 11 of North Korea’s ‘monster’ Hwasong 17 ICBMs, and Japan’s Defense Ministry considered the Hwasong-17 the world’s largest road-mobile liquid-fueled missile capable of travelling more than 15,000 kilometres, depending on the weight of the warhead it is carrying.

Although North Korea has yet to launch a missile this year, the continuous missile development programs are perceived as threats by the Japanese government. As confirmed by the US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, the US and Japan, and South Korea will work to deter North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats and press to denuclearise the Korean Peninsula. These three countries have the same perception and goals in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Noting its dynamic geopolitical situation in the region, Japan is committed to boosting its defence and security capabilities. If China ever intends to invade Taiwan or North Korea keeps pressuring Japan, the Japanese government will be directly involved and defend itself. Now it is Japan’s turn to prove how effective its response would be and how it will be sufficient for countering the multidimensional issues with China and North Korea. To initiate defence operations, the Japanese government should build its law enforcement action and military operation capabilities, cooperating with its allies, the US.

A sanctioned Russian container ship, center left, docked in South Africa’s naval port outside Cape Town, last month.Credit...Nic Bothma/EPA, via Shutterstock

January 28 2023

Latihan Militer Trilateral Afrika Selatan-China-Rusia Digelar Bulan Depan

Chatrine Debora Africa, Asia Pacific, News, Politics, Security and Defence Afrika Selatan, China, Latihan Militer, Russia, security and defence 0

Meskipun mengundang berbagai kritik, pada Senin (23/1) setelah pertemuan dengan Menlu Rusia Sergei Lavrov, Menteri Luar Negeri Afrika Selatan (Afsel) Naledi Pandor menekankan rencana latihan militernya bersama “teman” yakni Rusia dan China adalah “hubungan yang wajar.” Bahkan, dilansir dari Bloomberg, kedua negara yakni Rusia-Afrika Selatan menandatangani kerja sama baru.

Latihan angkatan laut yang melibatkan kapal-kapal dari Afrika Selatan, Rusia, dan China akan diadakan dari 17 Februari hingga 27 Februari. Seperti yang dikatakan Kementerian Pertahanan Afrika Selatan dalam komunike di situs webnya, latihan tersebut akan diadakan di Samudera Hindia selama 10 hari di wilayah tersebut.

Dimulai dari kota pelabuhan Durban dan Richards Bay “dengan tujuan latihan berbagi keterampilan dan pengetahuan operasional.” Menurut komunike, latihan bersama itu untuk “memperkuat hubungan yang sudah berkembang antara Afrika Selatan, Rusia dan China.”

Dilaporkan juga bahwa sebuah kapal perang Rusia yang dipersenjatai dengan senjata jelajah hipersonik generasi baru akan berpartisipasi dalam latihan bersama dengan angkatan laut China dan Afrika Selatan. Kapal perang

Menlu Rusia: Latihan militer tidak melanggar hukum internasional

Menlu Rusia Sergey Lavrov menyatakan bahwa latihan bersama yang akan diadakan oleh ketiga negara di Samudera Hindia pada bulan Februari tersebut tidak bertentangan dengan hukum internasional.

Berbicara pada konferensi pers setelah pertemuan dengan Menteri Luar Negeri Afrika Selatan Naledi Pandor, Lavrov menyatakan kebingungan tentang reaksi negatif yang ditimbulkan oleh latihan yang akan datang di Barat.

“Tiga negara berdaulat akan mengadakan latihan tanpa melanggar hukum internasional dan saya tidak mengerti kepada siapa hal ini dapat menimbulkan reaksi beragam,” kata diplomat tinggi Rusia tersebut “Mungkin rekan Amerika kami, yang percaya bahwa hanya mereka yang dapat melakukan latihan di seluruh dunia, dan tidak hanya di lebih dari 200 pangkalan militer mereka di seluruh dunia, tetapi di mana saja,” tambahnya.

“Latihan kami transparan,” tegas menteri luar negeri Rusia. “Bersama dengan mitra Afrika Selatan dan China kami, kami telah menyediakan semua informasi yang diperlukan,” kata Lavrov.

Standar ganda negara Barat

Lavrov mencatat bahwa Amerika Serikat “secara aktif terlibat dalam latihan angkatan laut di sekitar China di Laut China Selatan, di Selat Taiwan, sebagai bagian dari apa yang disebut strategi Indo-Pasifik, tetapi itu tidak menimbulkan reaksi beragam dari siapa pun.”

Berkaitan dengan latihan militer tersebut, AS menyatakan khawatir dengan rencana militer negara Afrika Selatan. “Amerika Serikat memiliki kekhawatiran tentang negara mana pun … latihan dengan Rusia saat Rusia melakukan perang brutal melawan Ukraina,” kata sekretaris pers Gedung Putih Karine Jean-Pierre.

Terlepas dari isu Ukraina, latihan militer tiga negara ini menunjukkan adanya hubungan dekat antara negara Afrika Selatan dengan negara Rusia dan China. Meskipun memiliki hubungan dagang yang kecil dengan Rusia, namun Afrika Selatan menunjukkan dukungannya pada kekuatan ‘multipolar’ di saat semua negara sedang mengupayakan kekuatan geopolitik masing-masing.

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen (2nd R) gestures to a US official (L) as US Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar (R) and director of the American of Institute in Taiwan, Brent Christensen (2nd L), look on during their visit to the Presidential Office in Taipei on August 10, 2020. - The US cabinet member met Taiwan's leader on August 10 during the highest level visit from the United States since it switched diplomatic recognition from the island to China in 1979, a trip that Beijing has condemned. (Photo by Pei Chen / POOL / AFP) (Photo by PEI CHEN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

April 7 2022

Khawatir China, AS ‘Bantu’ Sistem Pertahanan Taiwan Sebesar USD 95 juta

Chatrine Debora Asia Pacific, News, Politics, Security and Defence security and defence, Taiwan 1

Ancaman militer terbuka China terhadap Taiwan masih menjadi pembahasan, terutama dengan invasi Rusia atas Ukraina saat ini. Isu ini juga menjadi fokus bagi kebijakan luar negeri AS dalam “US Indo-Pacific Strategy” yang menginginkan keterbukaan, keamanan, dan kestabilan di wilayah regional tersebut.

Komandan Angkatan Laut Amerika Serikat (AS), Samuel Paparo, menyatakan kesulitan dalam memprediksi kemungkinan China melakukan invasi pada Taiwan.

Dikaitkan dengan krisis di Ukraina yang masih berlangsung, perhatian pada Taiwan juga meningkat karena potensi konflik militer dikhawatirkan mendorong AS untuk turut masuk ke konflik dengan China.

Paparo menyatakan tentunya China sedang mengawasi kondisi di Ukraina, dan melihat pembelajaran yang bisa diambil dari kondisi tersebut. Paparo menilai China juga akan melakukan penyesuaian dan meningkatkan kapabilitas militer mereka.

Pejabat pertahanan AS, Mara Karlin, juga mengatakan bahwa Taiwan harus meningkatkan kemampuan perang asimetrisnya jika melihat apa yang sedang terjadi di Ukraina.

Namun, keterlibatan AS di sisi lain juga dikhawatirkan memunculkan permasalahan serius baik bagi AS-China, juga pada Jepang yang menjadi aliansi dekat AS di Asia Timur. Aliansi AS seperti Jepang dan Korea Selatan kemungkinan akan terlibat dalam konflik Taiwan-China jika memang terjadi.

AS terus perluas kerja sama dengan aliansi di Asia

Permasalahan keamanan regional di Asia Timur terus mengalami eskalasi ke tahap “lebih besar dan luas.” Kedua negara yakni Taiwan-AS melalui hubungan kerja sama menginginkan adanya ketahanan serta pertahanan dari potensi agresi China di regional.

Baru-baru ini, AS juga sudah menyetujui penjualan alat persenjataan militer ke Taiwan. Paket kerja sama termasuk peralatan, pelatihan, serta alat unit lain untuk mendukung Sistem Pertahanan Udara Patriot seharga USD95 juta.

Pentagon menyatakan penjualan senjata ini akan mendukung ketahanan militer Taiwan dan mendukung kesiapan operasi udara Taiwan.

Peningkatan kapabilitas militer ini merupakan jawaban atas ‘keluhan’ Taiwan atas tekanan militer dari Beijing. Taiwan juga khawatir kemungkinan invasi oleh China atas negara demokratisnya terjadi suatu saat. Maka dari itu, Taiwan menginginkan kekuatan militernya ditingkatkan hingga tahap yang diperlukan guna bertahan dari China.

Meskipun tidak mengakui Taiwan sebagai negara independen, namun AS-Taiwan membangun kerja sama untuk menghalau pengaruh dan ancaman dari China.

Taiwan yang mendapat suplai senjata dari AS tidak memiliki pilihan selain mengembangkan sistem pertahanan ofensif defensif, sembari membangun persenjataan yang kuat baik dilaut, udara, maupun darat. Selain itu, Taiwan juga menyadari pentingnya ranah siber, sehingga unit perang siber Taiwan juga dilatih untuk memiliki kapabilitas guna melindungi infrastruktur vitalnya baik jaringan telekomunikasi dan listrik.