Asia Communique
Defence Deals, Military Drills and Political Turbulence Reshape the Indo-Pacific
Welcome to the Asia Communique, our quick‑fire update on the past 24 hours of geopolitics and security developments across Asia. With Russia’s leader visiting India, militaries modernizing and citizens reflecting on last year’s political crises, there’s much to unpack.
Cross‑Strait tensions and Taiwan’s message to Beijing
Cross‑Strait tensions and Taiwan’s message to Beijing Chinese mock attacks on foreign navies – Taiwan’s intelligence chief told lawmakers that when Western naval vessels transit the Taiwan Strait, China sometimes mobilizes aircraft to practice attack runs against them. Taiwan has tracked twelve trips by eight navies through the strait this year and says Chinese pilots simulate attacks while shadowing the ships. Taipei shares intelligence with passing navies, and officials note that China’s drills usually ramp up in October–December.
“Focus on your economy” – In an interview with the New York Times, Taiwan’s president Lai Ching‑te argued that China’s economy is slowing and that President Xi Jinping should prioritize his citizens’ welfare instead of territorial expansion. Lai contrasted Taiwan’s forecast 7.37 % growth with China’s 4 % and said Taipei stands ready to help the mainland overcome structural issues such as overcapacity and deflation. US–Taiwan ties – The US recently updated its Taiwan guidelines via the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act. The law requires the State Department to review interactions with Taiwan every five years, and Taipei hopes it will let Taiwanese officials gain access to some US federal agencies. Beijing condemned the move and warned Washington against sending “wrong signals” to independence‑minded forces.
Defence modernisation around the Indo‑Pacific
Thailand adopts Israel’s BARAK MX system
The Royal Thai Air Force has signed a 3.44‑billion‑baht (~US$107 million) deal to acquire Israel’s BARAK MX air‑defense system. The system provides multi‑layered protection against drones, cruise and ballistic missiles and manned aircraft, and includes radars, launchers and interceptors with ranges up to 150 km. Deliveries will begin in 2026 and full operational capability is expected by 2028. Thai analysts link the purchase to growing regional tensions – from insurgency in Thailand’s south to maritime disputes in the South China Sea – and note that the BARAK MX proved its effectiveness in recent high‑intensity conflicts.
Philippine Navy takes delivery of a new frigate
Philippine Navy takes delivery of a new frigate Manila commissioned BRP Diego Silang, its second Miguel Malvar‑class frigate, built by South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. The 28‑billion‑peso contract is part of the Philippines’ effort to assert itself in the West Philippine Sea. The 3,200‑ton ship carries a 76 mm gun, a close‑in weapon system, torpedoes, surface‑to‑air and anti‑ship missiles and advanced sensors, giving it a 4,500‑nautical‑mile range and 20‑day endurance.
South Korea invests in new interceptors
South Korea invests in new interceptors Seoul approved mass production of the L‑SAM (Long‑range Surface‑to‑Air Missile) system, signing a 705.4 billion‑won contract with Hanwha Aerospace for interceptors and launchers to be delivered by 2030. The L‑SAM will provide a high‑altitude interception layer to complement South Korea’s Patriot and Cheongung II systems. Additional contracts signed this year cover multifunction radars, an L‑SAM II high‑altitude interceptor and next‑generation sensors.
Japan’s defence tech exports
Japan’s defense tech exports Tokyo plans to export a command‑and‑control (C2) system developed by Mitsubishi Electric to the Philippines – its first overseas transfer of such technology. The system aggregates radar data on foreign ships and aircraft and provides operational instructions. Japanese officials see the export as part of deeper security cooperation with Manila amid tensions in the South China Sea.
ROK–Singapore strategic partnership
ROK–Singapore strategic partnership On 3 December South Korea and Singapore elevated their long‑standing relationship to a strategic partnership, pledging closer cooperation on defense technology, maritime security and emerging technologies. Analysts say trust built over decades made the step “a natural one,” and the agreement includes a joint committee on defense technology cooperation, verification of chemical and biological warfare agents and joint research in micro‑electronics. A May 2025 deal between Singapore’s Defense Science and Technology Agency and South Korean firm Seadronix will co‑develop artificial‑intelligence navigation for uncrewed surface vessels. Both countries also signed frameworks on data governance, cybersecurity and secure communications. They aim to preserve freedom of navigation and an open rules‑based order – goals challenged by authoritarian regimes in the Korean Peninsula and disputed South China Sea. Military‑to‑military exchanges through joint exercises and multilateral drills such as RIMPAC, Cobra Gold and Super Garuda Shield are seen as key to deepening interoperability.
India, Australia and South Korea deepening defence ties – China watches warily
China watches warily An analysis by Maritime Fairtrade notes that Beijing views growing defense collaboration among India, South Korea and Australia as an attempt to contain China. The Indian frigate INS Sahyadri visited Busan in October for its first bilateral exercise with the South Korean navy. During the exercise both navies conducted harbor maneuvers and sea drills, signaling India’s intent to enhance its presence in the South China Sea. Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh later visited Australia for the inaugural Australia–India Defense Ministers’ Dialogue, where both sides reaffirmed a “free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo‑Pacific.” Analysts cited by the article argue that submarine rescue and logistics agreements, combined with India’s expanding partnerships with Japan and Vietnam, form a network aimed at counterbalancing China without direct confrontation. Chinese commentators warn that such partnerships may be viewed in Beijing as encirclement and could prompt more Chinese naval deployments in the Indian Ocean.
South Asia: politics and security
Afghanistan–Pakistan ceasefire holds despite talks impasse
Saudi‑hosted talks aimed at resolving border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan ended without a peace deal but both sides agreed to maintain a ceasefire. Islamabad accuses militants sheltering in Afghanistan of attacks on Pakistani soil, while Kabul says Pakistan should address its own security problems. Pakistan seeks a written commitment from Kabul that it will curb anti‑Pakistan militants, but the Taliban government says it cannot guarantee security inside Pakistan.
Bangladesh’s Gen‑Z party struggles after toppling Hasina
After a student‑led uprising forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee Bangladesh in 2024 and led to her eventual death sentence, young activists formed the National Citizen Party (NCP). Despite drawing huge crowds at launch, the party is now polling in third place with about 6 % support, far behind Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (30 %) and even the Islamist Jamaat‑e‑Islami (26 %). Chief Nahid Islam says the party’s structure is weak and fundraising depends on salaries, donations and crowdfunding. Critics argue the NCP’s centrist positions on minority and women’s rights are vague. The party is considering alliances to avoid a wipe‑out but risks losing its revolutionary appeal. Supporters still see potential in its pledge to open politics to ordinary people and recruit candidates through nationwide interviews.
India and Russia ratify reciprocal logistics pact ahead of Putin visit
Russia’s State Duma has ratified the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS) agreement with India ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi. Signed in February 2025, RELOS allows the two militaries to access each other’s bases for fuel, spares, maintenance and humanitarian missions. The pact gives India access to Russian facilities along the Northern Sea Route and provides Russia with logistics support at Indian Ocean ports, reducing transit times and costs. Analysts say the agreement deepens the strategic partnership, offering India experience in Arctic routes and improved maritime awareness while helping Russia expand its presence in the Indo‑Pacific.
South Korea reflects on its ‘Light Revolution’
On the first anniversary of last year’s martial law crisis, more than 200 South Koreans took a “dark tour” of the National Assembly compound. Visitors retraced the route lawmakers used to scale walls and overturn former President Yoon Suk‑yeol’s martial law order after six tense hours of protests. Current Defense Minister Ahn Gyu‑back apologized for the military’s role in invading the parliament, calling it a “grave error”. Separately, President Lee Jae‑myung delivered a televised address pledging to complete the Light Revolution. He stressed that every attempt to seize power through martial law must be punished and credited the people’s resistance and the military’s obedience to civilian control for swiftly lifting Yoon’s order. Lee vowed to designate 3 December as People’s Sovereignty Day and to pursue laws ensuring those involved in the 2024 martial law are held accountable. Opposition leaders offered apologies but some continue defending Yoon’s actions.President Vladimir Putin is in New Delhi for the 23rd annual India–Russia summit, seeking to boost energy and defense exports. Analysts note that India remains heavily reliant on Russian weaponry—roughly 60 % of its arsenal is of Russian origin—and the visit comes amid delays in S‑400 missile deliveries and criticism of New Delhi for purchasing discounted Russian oil. Commentators see India balancing its relations between Moscow and Washington: while it deepens ties with Russia through RELOS and defense procurements, it also engages the U.S. through logistics and security agreements.
Russian leader’s India visit and commentary
President Vladimir Putin is in New Delhi for the 23rd annual India–Russia summit, seeking to boost energy and defense exports. Analysts note that India remains heavily reliant on Russian weaponry—roughly 60 % of its arsenal is of Russian origin—and the visit comes amid delays in S‑400 missile deliveries and criticism of New Delhi for purchasing discounted Russian oil. Commentators see India balancing its relations between Moscow and Washington: while it deepens ties with Russia through RELOS and defense procurements, it also engages the U.S. through logistics and security agreements.