U.S.

7th Fleet

News Monitor

December 7, 2011

LANGKAWI, Malaysia (Dec. 6, 2011) - The guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) arrives in Langkawi, Malaysia for the Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2011. Curtis Wilbur is representing the U.S. Navy at LIMA '11. LIMA '11 is billed as the premier defense and enforcement exposition in Southeast Asia, drawing senior civilian and uniformed leaders from more than a dozen regional countries. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jessica Bidwell) Be sure to visit http://www.c7f.navy.mil.

QUICK LOOK:

China has right to develop military: Pentagon (Agence France Presse) Hu Jintao urges China's navy to prepare for combat (Agence France-Presse) U.S.-China Defense Consultative Talks on December 7 (Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)) Head of U.S. Pacific Command says China will be next big military focus (The Daily Transcript) U.S. to host first trilateral meeting with Japan, India on Asia-Pacific issues (Xinhua) India and China to meet for military talks after several prior cancellations (Straits Times) Japan PM Noda 'to reschedule China visit' (Agence France-Presse) Chinese Vice Premier meets high-profile U.S. guests (Xinhua) Najib opens LIMA 2011 (The Borneo Post) LIMA not just opportunity to buy weapons: Zahid (New Straits Times) Najib Unveils National Maritime Plan At LIMA Show (Bernama) PM: Asia has fastest growing defence expenditure (The Malaysia Star) US, China to discuss Myanmar after Clinton trip (Agence France-Presse) N-powered Arihant to be ready by '12 end (The Financial Times) China to further ties with Russia after Duma poll (China Daily) Chinese will be fined for fishing in Taiwan waters (China Post) Two pilots killed in ROK Air Forces T-59 trainer jet crash (Seoul Broadcasting System) South Korea, U.S. resume talks on revising nuclear energy pact (Yonhap) New US policy team against NK to visit ROK tomorrow (Yonhap) Four Missing as Fishing Boat Sinks Off Southwestern Coast (Arirang News) Kim Jong-il often rebukes relaxation of discipline within DPRK military (Yonhap) MMEA has taken delivery of four fast interceptor boats (The Borneo Post) Navy To Induct 24 P-8I Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft (Indo Asian News Service)

First of New Zealand air force new helicopter fleet arrives (Xinhua) Fukushima radioactive water leaked to Pacific: TEPCO (Agence France Presse) Discussion of Maintenance and Management Toward Ikego Joint Use (Kanagawa Shimbun) "Jet noise will be increased after air group transfer" ~ plaintiffs insist at MCAS-I air jet noise lawsuit (Asahi shimbun) Sasebo Seeks To Preserve Station Linked To Pearl Harbor Attack Order (Stars And Stripes) USS New Orleans Sailors Conduct Anti-Terrorism, Force Protection Drills (Navy News Service) Miami Marlins Visit GW (Navy News Service) Overlooking Indias military build-up (The International News) How A DC-3 Replacement Ended Up In China (Strategy Page) America on comeback trail (New Straits Times) After Burma, Could Hillary Clinton Visit North Korea? (The Atlantic) Chinas Starter Carrier No Shock (The Diplomat) Beijings Starter Carrier and Future Steps: Alternatives and Implications (Naval War College Review) China, US, Japan, Taiwan four nations tilting out of balance (Taiwan News) Embattled West unprepared for rise of a practical China (People Daily) The new Cold War (Salon.com)

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China has right to develop military: Pentagon

Agence France Presse December 6, 2011 WASHINGTON - China has the right to develop its military but must heed US calls for full transparency, a Pentagon spokesman said Tuesday. "With respect to China, they have a right to develop military capabilities and to plan, just as we do," said spokesman George Little, after Chinese President Hu Jintao urged the country's navy to prepare for military combat and advance naval modernization. But Little added: "We have repeatedly called for transparency from the Chinese and that's part of the relationship we're continuing to build with the Chinese military." Hu said in a speech to the Central Military Commission that the navy needed to transform "and make extended preparations for military combat in order to make greater contributions to safeguard national security and world peace." "Our work must closely encircle the main theme of national defense and military building," Hu told the powerful commission, according to a statement on the government website. His comments come after China said late last month it would conduct naval exercises in the Pacific Ocean, following a major diplomatic campaign by President Barack Obama to assert the United States as a Pacific power. The announcement also comes against a background of growing tensions over maritime disputes in the AsiaPacific region, but another Pentagon spokesman, Admiral John Kirby, insisted: "Nobody's looking for a scrap here." "Certainly we wouldn't begrudge any other nation the opportunity, the right to develop naval forces to be ready. Our naval forces are ready and they'll stay ready." Hu's announcement comes in the wake of trips to Asia by several US administration officials, including Obama, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. All of them stressed the key strategic importance of the Asia-Pacific region, in speeches eyed warily by Beijing.

"Clearly they're developing capabilities, air and maritime, that appear to be designed with the US Navy in mind. We would just continue to call for them to be more transparent about the capabilities they're developing," Kirby said. "The peaceful rise of China is a good thing for the region, it's a good thing for the world. We seek, we continue to seek, we have sought a better military relationship with China and we'll continue to pursue that." China's People's Liberation Army, the largest military in the world, is primarily a land force, but its navy is playing an increasingly important role as Beijing grows more assertive about its regional territorial claims. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao last month warned against interference by "external forces" in territorial disputes including in the South China Sea, a strategic and resource-rich area where several nations have overlapping claims. China claims all of the maritime area, as does Taiwan, while four Southeast Asian countries declare ownership of parts of it, with Vietnam and the Philippines accusing Chinese forces of increasing aggression there. One of the key sources of dispute are the small Spratlys islands, whose waters are believed to be rich in oil and natural gas, and are claimed by China, as well as Vietnam, the Philippines and Taiwan. Beijing has also clashed with Hanoi over the Paracel islands. Back to top

Hu Jintao urges China's navy to prepare for combat

Agence France-Presse December 6, 2011 Chinese President Hu Jintao urged China's navy on Tuesday to prepare for military combat and advance naval modernisation as part of effort to safeguard world peace. The navy should "accelerate its transformation and modernisation in a sturdy way, and make extended preparations for military combat in order to make greater contributions to safeguard national security and world peace," Hu said in a speech. According to a statement on the government's website, Hu was speaking to the nation's powerful Central Military Commission at a meeting in Beijing focused on

military armament and the latest developments in the navy. "Our work must closely encircle the main theme of national defence and military building," Hu said, according to the statement. In a translation of Hu's comments, the official Xinhua news agency quoted the president as saying China's navy should "make extended preparations for warfare," strengthening the term "junshi douzheng" that can be also translated as "military combat" or "military struggle." Hu's comments come after China said late last month it would conduct naval exercises in the Pacific Ocean, following a major diplomatic campaign by President Barack Obama to assert the United States as a Pacific power. The defence ministry said the exercises did not target any particular country, but the announcement comes against a background of growing tensions over maritime disputes in the Asia-Pacific region. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao last month also warned against interference by "external forces" in regional territorial disputes including in the South China Sea, a strategic and resource-rich area where several nations have overlapping claims. China claims all of the maritime area, as does Taiwan, while four Southeast Asian countries declare ownership of parts of it, with Vietnam and the Philippines accusing Chinese forces of increasing aggression there. Back to top

discussed regional security concerns relating to Africa, North Korea, Afghanistan-Pakistan, and Iran. In addition, they exchanged views on the U.S. nuclear posture review and ballistic missile defense report. WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF THE TIMING OF THIS MEETING? This DCT meeting is the first to be held since the Obama administrations announcement of a $5.85-billion arms sale to Taiwan in September. That weapons package included significant upgrades for Taiwans existing fleet of F-16 A/B fighter jets, but not the new, more advanced F-16 C/D fighters requested by Taipei and strongly opposed by Beijing. At the time, Chinas Defense Ministry spokesman told the press, In light of the serious damage resulting from the U.S. arms sale to Taiwan, planned China-U.S. military exchanges, including high-level visits and joint exercises, will definitely be impacted. The Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) subsequently postponed several bilateral exchanges, including a visit to China by the U.S. Army Band; a visit by PACOM Commander Admiral Robert Willard; joint U.S.-China antipiracy exercises; and a U.S.-China military medical exchange. The United States will be looking to reschedule these exchanges and make further progress in the military-to-military relationship. WHAT TOPICS AND CONCERNS ARE LIKELY TO BE DISCUSSED? The PLA is likely to again raise its three obstacles to better U.S.-China military relations: continued U.S. arms sales to Taiwan; the 2000 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which limits bilateral military-to-military exchanges that could pose national security risks to the United States; and U.S. surveillance and reconnaissance operations in Chinas 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). U.S. concerns likely to be on the agenda include the South China Sea, North Korea, Iran, maritime security, cyber security, nuclear weapons policy, and outer space. An important barometer of the bilateral military relationship will be whether the DCT produces an agreed-upon agenda of bilateral military exchanges for 2012 and how extensive that list is. WHAT IS THE OVERALL STATE OF THE U.S.-CHINA BILATERAL MILITARY RELATIONSHIP? Relations between the U.S. and Chinese militaries continues to lag behind the political and economic relationship. Military discussions on security issues, for example, are not as in-depth or as frank as those held between Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and State Councillor Dai Bingguo, who are two of the four cochairs of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic

U.S.-China Defense Consultative Talks on December 7

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) By Bonnie S. Glaser, Brittany Billingsley December 6, 2011 The DCT was first established in 1997 and has been held 11 times since its inception. The 12th meeting, scheduled for December 7 in Beijing, will be chaired by Under Secretary of Defense Michle Flournoy and the deputy chief of the Peoples Liberation Army General Staff, General Ma Xiaotian. The DCT provides the U.S. and Chinese defense establishments an opportunity to discuss critical defense-related issues at a relatively high level. The talks are also intended to set the coming years agenda of bilateral defense exchanges and provide a forum for candid dialogue that can reduce misunderstanding and the possibility of miscalculation between the two militaries. At the last DCT in December 2010, the U.S. and Chinese defense establishments

Dialogue that means annually. An important new joint civil-military dialogue mechanism, the Strategic Security Dialogue, was established in May and will likely be held again in 2012. In recent years, there has been a pattern of China suspending bilateral military dialogues and exchanges for six to nine months after a U.S. arms sale to Taiwan, which has made it difficult to conduct more robust discussions and have interactions that promote greater predictability and understanding. The Obama administration has called for putting the relationship on a more sustained and reliable and continuous footing. By not postponing this round of the DCT, it appears that Beijing (and the PLA in particular) has accepted that suspending overall bilateral military ties does not serve U.S. and Chinese interests. It remains to be seen, however, whether the Chinese military is prepared to resume fully all aspects of the U.S.-China military-tomilitary relationship. Back to top

Space and cyberspace are also challenges, especially in China, Willard said, noting $1 trillion in intellectual property has been stolen from "companies and other places." In the midst of these challenges, the Navy must also contend with a bad budget environment and the uncertainty it brings. This uncertainty, he said, "ought to be concerning to everyone in this room." But despite looming budget cuts, Willard said he expects the Navy to play a heightened role, especially as ground troops leave Afghanistan and Iraq. He said Gen. James Mattis, the commander of U.S. Central Command, also envisions a broader naval presence in the Middle East. "As ground forces come home, the only way to maintain stability naturally falls on air and naval forces," Willard said. Willard also emphasized that President Barack Obama, Clinton and Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta have all said increased focus on the Asian Pacific is becoming more important. "Given the very important economic relations with the U.S. and our national interests there, the area remains prominent in U.S. strategy and must continue to be well served," Willard said. He said in debates about the budget, the Asian Pacific efforts are regarded well and added that those debates and the decision-makers involved in them are "pretty healthy" right now. Military relations between the United States and China are a major challenge, Willard said, because of China's claims over the South China Sea and the lack of interaction between the two country's militaries. He added that China has at sea a former Ukrainian aircraft carrier. "First we thought it was going to be a floating museum, then we thought it was going to be a floating casino, now it's an operating aircraft carrier," Willard said. Chinese officials say the aircraft carrier and its escalating military are defensive in nature, Willard said, but the limited interaction between U.S. and Chinese military officials is concerning. "Unfortunately in mil-to-mil interaction, I keep seeing the same five guys," Willard said.

Head of U.S. Pacific Command says China will be next big military focus
The Daily Transcript December 6, 2011 Adm. Robert Willard, the commander of U.S. Pacific Command, said he recently asked Secretary of State Hillary Clinton how she was doing, and because she had just taken a 10-hour flight, her response was expected: "Tired." "But she said she was not tired from the flight," Willard said. "She said it's from the world today. No matter where she travels, no matter where she looks, there's chaos." Willard told an audience at the San Diego Military Advisory Council's monthly breakfast about the complicated state of international affairs today and the Navy's work amidst those affairs. During his speech, he emphasized repeatedly that increasing attention on China will become more and more important. "The more we understand how complicated things are, the better off we'll be," he said. "This is not a world where the uninformed are going to survive for very long." As commander of U.S. Pacific Command, Willard laid out for SDMAC attendees what he said are his "major challenge areas" that are most important to the United States. Those include China and North Korea, which Willard called "the most urgent threat throughout the Asian Pacific."

Toward the end of his speech, Willard summarized the long list of challenges he had presented. "So there's no lack of things to deal with," he said. Also at the breakfast, five groups received SDMAC achievement awards for their service to the military and military families. Awards were given to Karen Driscoll, the co-founder of ACT Today for Military Families; Marine Wing Support Squadron 373; San Diego County Regional Airport Authority; Girl Scouts San Diego and the San Diego State University Athletic Department. Back to top

NEW DELHI - India and China will sit down this week for military level talks, small compensation, analysts say, for the cancellation or postponement of several high-level exchanges including what was planned to be the biggest of all - a trip to New Delhi by Vice-President Xi Jinping. Indian defence secretary Shashi Kant Sharma and China's deputy chief of People's Liberation Army (PLA) Gen Ma Xiaotian, will meet on Friday for the fourth round of Annual Defence Dialogue, an official press release from the Indian defence ministry confirmed last week. On Monday, China confirmed the talks which come a fortnight after the two sides cancelled border talks at the last minute because of Chinese objections to a global Buddhist conference in New Delhi to be addressed by the Dalai Lama. These are the highest military level exchanges between the two sides in 23 months, the last meeting being held in January 2010. The scheduling of the 'annual' dialogue suggests the tensions between Asia's twin giants over the past year on a host of issues, ranging from China's unwillingness to accept an Indian military delegation led by a general commanding troops in Kashmir, to New Delhi's rapid beefing up of forces along the China border and assertive moves in the South China Sea, where it plans to do joint prospecting for oil with Vietnam in disputed waters. Indian officials confirmed that a trip to New Delhi by Vice-President Xi, who also is vice-chair of the Central Military Commission, will not take place in 2011. India was keen to host Mr Xi, who is expected to succeed Mr Hu Jintao, before his much-awaited elevation as president in 2012. 'We won't be seeing Mr Xi this year,' a senior Indian official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. 'This hasn't been a good year for visits from China. Neither their foreign minister nor foreign secretary came, and it was their turn this time.' Back to top

U.S. to host first trilateral meeting with Japan, India on Asia-Pacific issues
Xinhua December 5, 2011 WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 () -- The United States is to host the first trilateral talks with Japan and India to discuss "a range of Asia Pacific regional issues," the U.S. State Department announced on Monday. The meeting, which will be at the assistant-secretary level, is scheduled to be held in Washington on Dec. 19, said State Department spokesman Mark Toner at his daily news briefing. "And this meeting is going to be an opportunity to hold comprehensive discussion on a range of Asia Pacific regional issues," he said. Asked why India, an Indian Ocean country that has no border with Pacific Ocean, is invited to the meeting as one of the "Pacific democracies," Toner only answered by saying that "this is a chance for us to discuss regional issues." In response to a question that why Australia was not invited to the meeting, Toner explained that it "isn't allinclusive." Experts said the move is believed to be part of current U.S. efforts to carry out its "pivoting to Asia" policy, which aims at consolidating the U.S. predominance in Asia. Back to top

India and China to meet for military talks after several prior cancellations
Straits Times By Ravi Velloor December 6, 2011

Japan PM Noda 'to reschedule China visit'

Agence France-Presse December 7, 2011 Japan and China have decided to postpone Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's planned trip to Beijing,

which was originally scheduled for next week, reports said Tuesday. The cancellation was made at the request of China, which asked to reschedule the trip unofficially slated for December 12 and 13, according to Kyodo News and national broadcaster NHK. China still wishes Noda to visit to country before the end of the year, Jiji Press said. NHK speculated that China wanted to change the schedule as the original travel dates fall on the anniversary of the 1937 Nanjing Massacre. Back to top

December 7, 2011 LANGKAWI: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday opened the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2011 (LIMA 11), underscoring that defence and security are of paramount importance to regional and national strategic interests. Against the backdrop of more than 400 companies from 35 countries present at the 11th edition of LIMA, he pointed out that defence and security ensured not only territorial integrity but also the sovereignty that all countries hold dear. He said that Asia today enjoyed the fastest-growing economy in the world, and defence expenditure was no exception. Aerospace and maritime spending is surging, and is set to rise yet further as governments continue to tackle both traditional and non-traditional security threats, Najib said when opening Malaysias premier defence and security show at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC), here. Present were his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, former prime minister and LIMAs founding figure Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as well as foreign defence and security chiefs. Najib said: There can be no doubting the bravery and heroism of our men and women in uniform, and before they risk their lives to protect us, its our duty to ensure they have the best tools for the job. That means giving them the latest, safest, most cuttingedge equipment capable of meeting the challenges of modern warfare. He noted that Lima was not just about the latest military technology as it was also about the commercial sectors of the maritime and aerospace industries which were exhibiting here for the first time. Over half of the worlds top 100 maritime and aerospace suppliers are present for the show. According to LIMA organisers, on display are 65 aircraft as well as 14 warships from around the world. Najib said technology-intensive sectors such as shipbuilding and ship repair and aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) continued to be significant contributors to Malaysias economy.

Chinese Vice Premier meets high-profile U.S. guests

Xinhua December 06, 2011 Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan on Tuesday met with Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa and former U.S. National Security Adviser Brent Scowcroft in separate meetings in Beijing. During his meeting with Villaraigosa, Wang said recent years have seen rapid development of local exchanges and cooperation between China and the United States, which reflects the mutually beneficial nature of bilateral relations and has brought tangible benefits to people in both countries. He hoped that Los Angeles and Chinese provinces and cities could further beef up cooperation in such areas as economy and trade, investment, science and technology, tourism, culture and education. He said the China Association of Mayors and the U.S. Conference of Mayors should play a positive role in creating favorable conditions for cooperation between enterprises of both countries. Villaraigosa said Los Angeles is willing to enhance cooperation with China in all fields and welcomes Chinese companies investing in the city. On Tuesday afternoon, Wang met with Brent Scowcroft to discuss the current world economic situation and bilateral economic and trade cooperation. Scowcroft served as the National Security Advisor to both presidents Gerald Ford and George H. W. Bush. Back to top

Najib opens LIMA 2011

The Borneo Post

Last year alone, the shipbuilding and ship repair industry generated more than US$2.3 billion (RM7.26 billion), while MRO and aerospace manufacturing contributed about US$1.73 billion (RM5.46 billion). Taken together, these sectors provide jobs for more than 44,000 people, many of them in highly-skilled professional roles, he said. The prime minister said skills and wages in Malaysia were rising as the country continues on the path towards high-income status. But as this transformation occurs, we must be prepared to face stiff competition for foreign investments once were no longer perceived as a cheap place to invest, he said. Najib mentioned that the Malaysian Aerospace Council last year helped establish the Aerospace Malaysia Innovation Centre (AMIC), an industry-led research and technology centre of excellence that would drive progress in Malaysian aerospace expertise. AMIC, he said, had already brought together key global players such as EADS, Rolls Royce and CTRM to help shape the future of Malaysian aviation, working in close collaboration with local universities to raise skills as well the global reputation of Malaysian researchers, engineers and scientists. So, were putting in place the skills, the infrastructure. What we need now is to build the market demand that will drive expansion now and in the future, he said. Najibs speech also alluded to the launch of the national Aerospace Blueprint back in 1997, and, now, the creation of a similar strategic plan for Malaysias maritime businesses. The Malaysian Shipbuilding/Ship Repair Industry Strategic Plan 2020 charts a clear course for the industry to sail ahead, he said. Following the LIMA opening, Najib witnessed the signing of a number of aerospace industry-related pacts. They include the technical consultancy services agreement between Airod Sdn Bhd and Malaysian Aerospace Engineering Sdn Bhd (MAE) in relation to MAE providing consultancy services to Airod for the development of the aerospace MRO cluster at the new Kunming International Airport. Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) also inked a strategic collaboration agreement with National Aerospace and Defence Industry Sdn Bhd (NADI) in developing

competitive bumiputera human capital in hightechnology aerospace industry. Back to top

LIMA not just opportunity to buy weapons: Zahid

New Straits Times December 6, 2011 LANGKAWI: The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2011 (LIMA '11) is not just a place to buy weapons because it is actually a catalyst for the aerospace industry and development of expertise among locals to master modern technology. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the organisation of LIMA gave a good impact to the defence industry, among others by contributing to the rapid development of the ship building industry and areas of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) in Malaysia. "In the industry of manufacturing and repairing ships, we recorded a robust growth with a value of US$2.3 billion," he told reporters after accompanying Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to visit the LIMA exhibition here today. He said this was the result of confidence in major companies from Russia, Korea and Europe towards local companies who have proved their ability. Ahmad Zahid said it was also prove that the "off-set" programmes and the transfer of technology and training has started giving good results. Back to top

Najib Unveils National Maritime Plan At LIMA Show

Bernama December 6, 2011 LANGKAWI -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today unveiled the Malaysia Shipbuilding/Ship Repair Industry Strategic Plan 2020 which aims to generate RM6.35 billion in Gross National Income (GNI) and create additional 55,500 jobs for the country by 2020. Under the plan, launched in conjunction with the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2011, growth is expected to be both sustainable and inclusive, and could be a major boon for Sarawak, which has seen the maritime industry grow to

become the third largest contributor to the state economy. Developed by the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) and Association of Marine Industries of Malaysia (AMIM), the plan targets the capture of 80 per cent of the local new build market and two per cent of the global new build market, up from 50 per cent and 0.8 per cent respectively in 2010. According to MIGHT, key contributions would come from the uptrend in build and repair of Offshore Support Vessels (OSV) for oil and gas exploration and replacement of ageing vessels of Petronas Service Providers (PSC) contributing RM10 billion in industry revenue by 2020. For the ship repair segment, the plan sets out to capture three per cent of the Strait of Melaka repair market worth about RM1 billion annually. The OSVs servicing the South China Sea offshore present repair work for shipyards in Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang estimated to be worth more than RM200 million annually. The plan's recommendations are expected to boost Malaysian industrial competitiveness in shipbuilding and ship repair, industries which have come under increasing competitive pressure from regional players such as Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, China and the Philippines. The plan targets specifically small and medium-sized shipbuilding and ship repair segment and aims to upscale Malaysian capabilities in high-value, high-technology products and processes. Key recommendations include the enforcement of build and repair quality, enhancement of local content levels and the introduction of new technologies and processes. The plan promotes local content in design and build, and the alignment of state and local strategies with the needs of the shipbuilding and ship repair industry. To achieve its goals of RM6.35 billion in GNI contribution and the creation of 55,500 new jobs, the plan recommends government and regulatory intervention at several levels such as policy formation, regulatory framework, finance and incentive packages for investment as well as programmes for human capital development. Other recommendations include the strengthening of the institutional framework, in particular, the establishment

of an inter-ministerial, national-level steering body to oversee the industry's development. Back to top

PM: Asia has fastest growing defence expenditure

The Malaysia Star December 6, 2011 LANGKAWI: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak opened the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2011 (LIMA '11), underscoring that defence and security are of paramount importance to regional and national strategic interests. The Prime Minister pointed out that defence and security ensured not only territorial integrity but also the sovereignty that all countries hold dear. He said that Asia today enjoyed the fastest-growing economy in the world, and defence expenditure was no exception. "Aerospace and maritime spending is surging, and is set to rise yet further as governments continue to tackle both traditional and non-traditional security threats," he said at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC). More than 400 companies from 35 countries at taking part in the 11th edition of LIMA. Najib said the government would provide the best tools for the men and women in uniform as "there can be no doubting (their) bravery and heroism." "That means giving them the latest, safest, most cuttingedge equipment capable of meeting the challenges of modern warfare." He noted that LIMA was not just about the latest military technology as it was also about the commercial sectors of the maritime and aerospace industries which were exhibiting here for the first time. Over half of the world's top 100 maritime and aerospace suppliers are present for the show. According to LIMA organisers, on display are 65 aircraft as well as 14 warships from around the world. Back to top

US, China to discuss Myanmar after Clinton trip

Agence France-Presse December 7, 2011

The United States and China will next week discuss developments in Myanmar after Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's landmark visit to the longtime ally of Beijing, a US official said Tuesday. Derek Mitchell, the US special envoy on Myanmar, will visit Beijing on December 12-13 after holding meetings this week in Japan and South Korea, the official said on condition of anonymity. Clinton last week became the top US official in more than 50 years to visit Myanmar, also known as Burma, as she sought to encourage reforms by the government which has opened talks with the opposition and ethnic minorities. Clinton insisted that her visit was not intended to challenge China and that the United States sought cooperation. But the trip came amid uneasy relations between the Pacific powers as the United States seeks to boost its presence in Asia. Myanmar's military-backed leadership has counted on China as its main supporter but many people in Myanmar resent Beijing's outsized influence. President Thein Sein surprised even critics when he recently halted work on an unpopular dam that would primarily benefit China. China reacted to Clinton's visit by urging the United States to lift its sweeping sanctions on Myanmar, a step that Washington says is premature without further reforms. Opposition icon Aung San Suu Kyi has tried to ease China's concerns, saying while appearing next to Clinton in Yangon that she hoped Myanmar would have "friendly relations" with its giant neighbor. Mitchell will hold talks in South Korea on Thursday and head to Japan the following day, the US official said. The two countries have maintained economic ties with Myanmar in a rare policy divergence with the United States. Japan, which ruled Burma during World War II, was historically the top aid provider to Myanmar. Under US pressure, Japan cut most assistance in 2003 after Suu Kyi was arrested but it has recently opened talks to resume aid. Back to top

New Delhi: India will soon have the capability of launching ballistic weapons from land, air and sea; as its first indigenous nuclear-powered submarine INS Arihant will be ready for operational deployment by the end of 2012 after a series of sea trials. According to the Naval chief Nirmal Verma: I had said that we will do so (commissioning of INS Arihant) in 2012 and by and large we are on track. A firm date can be given only when we have the sea trials which will happen from some months from now. The chief was responding to medi query about the INS Arihant commissioning. With this India has become the sixth country after the US, Russia, China, France and Britain to possess a nuclear-powered submarine. Arihant is the first in the series of the three nuclear submarines which India is building with the help of Russia. For India, Arihant is a milestone as the biggest navy in Asia that of China is known to have 8-10 nuclear-powered submarines and 50-60 diesel submarines. Literally meaning the Destroyer of Enemies, Arihant has been developed in the country under the project codenamed Advanced Technology Vessel. The nuclearpropelled strategic submarine will become fully operational nearly three decades after the project was initiated when Indira Gandhi was the prime minister in 1970s. As India has a policy of no first use of nuclear weapons, a robust and survivable retaliatory strike capability is dependent on this nuclear-powered submarine. In this wake, Arihant is a shot in the arm for Indias nuclear triad. Arihant will require a nuclear regulatory authority certification. BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre) would have a prominent role in this. The submarine will be deployed once this ends, he said. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been working on the submarine-launched missile-Sagarika with a range of 700 km. The construction of 6,000 tonne, 110 metre long and 11metre wide submarine has been done by Ship Building Centre at Visakhapatnam. Back to top

N-powered Arihant to be ready by '12 end

The Financial Times By Huma Siddiqui December 6, 2011

China to further ties with Russia after Duma poll

China Daily December 06, 2011

The results of Russia's parliamentary election will benefit the country, and China will further bilateral ties after Sunday's polling, China's Foreign Ministry said. "We believe that the election results will be beneficial for Russia's social unity, national stability and economic development," ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a regular news briefing. China respects the choice of the Russian people, and will work with the Russians to push forward the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination, he said. Russia's ruling United Russia party has won nearly half the votes of the 95.71 percent of ballots that have been counted, according to Russia's election watchdog, the Central Election Commission (CEC). United Russia may gain 238 of the 450 seats and enjoy a majority in the State Duma, or the lower house of the parliament, according to the CEC. However, the party received nearly one-third fewer votes than in 2007 and fell short of the 315 seats it secured in the last Duma election. President Dmitry Medvedev, who took office in 2008 when former president Vladimir Putin stepped down after serving a maximum two consecutive terms, made a brief appearance with Putin at a meeting at United Russia headquarters late on Sunday. Medvedev said United Russia, which had previously held a two-thirds majority allowing it to change the constitution without opposition support, was prepared to forge alliances on certain issues to secure backing for legislation. "This is an optimal result which reflects the real situation in the country," Putin, 59, said. "Based on this result we can guarantee stable development of our country." The Communist Party, which for most Russians evokes images of bemedalled war veterans and the elderly poor deprived of pensions, drew students, intellectuals, even some business people in this poll. The communists made big gains in the election, doubling its vote to about 20 percent, according to the CEC. Official projections put the left-leaning Just Russia on 64 Duma seats, up from 38, and Vladimir Zhirinovsky's nationalist LDPR on 56, up from 40. Back to top

Chinese will be fined for fishing in Taiwan waters

China Post December 7, 2011 TAIPEI--Chinese fishing boats that fish in Taiwan's territorial waters will be fined between NT$50,000 (US$1,655) and NT$500,000 in the future, after the Legislative Yuan Tuesday passed a draft amendment to the Act Governing Relations between People of the Taiwan Area and Mainland Area. The Taiwan Coast Guard Administration was not entitled to impose administrative penalties and could only seize fishing equipment, detain crewmembers or ask fishing boats to leave Taiwanese waters under the previous law. The increasing number of Chinese boats that are trespassing into Taiwan's waters has caused a lot of trouble and threatens the country's national security and resource allocation, ruling Kuomintang Legislator Chang Ching-chung said, adding that he hopes the amendment can stop illegal fishing by foreign vessels. In addition, the amendment stated that owners, operators and skippers of other Chinese vessels, such as sand dredgers, that enter Taiwan's waters without permission will face fines between NT$1 million and NT$10 million, as such vessels generally have a higher commercial value than fishing boats. Back to top

Two pilots killed in ROK Air Forces T-59 trainer jet crash
Seoul Broadcasting System December 6, 2011 A T-59 trainer jet of the ROK Air Force's 16th Fighter Wing crashed at around 2:30 p.m. December 5th in Yecheon, North Gyeongsang Province. The ROK Air Force said that the trainer jet crashed shortly after taking off for an emergency landing exercise. Two pilots on board died from the accident. A 34-yearold pilot surnamed MAJ Park attempted an emergency escape; however, he was killed in a fall before his parachute was released. A 33-year-old pilot surnamed MAJ Kwon was found dead in the trainer jet. The trainer jet crashed on a nearby rice paddy and there was a large explosion. Pieces of wreckages were found hundreds of meters away from the scene of the explosion; however, private houses were not damaged.

The T-59 model called Hawk was introduced to the ROK in 1992 and the Air Force currently has sixteen T59 trainer jets and four crashed so far. The Air Force sent an investigation team to the scene and it is currently investigating the exact cause of the accident. Back to top

undermine global nonproliferation efforts and provoke North Korea and Japan. Einhorn told a press conference in Seoul Monday that South Korea and the U.S. were working very cooperatively together to achieve a successor agreement that will expand the level of cooperation between (the countries) in the civil nuclear energy area. He also said the new agreement should reflect South Koreas growing role in the global civil nuclear sector, apparently referring to the countrys recent efforts to become a top exporter of nuclear power plants. Back to top

South Korea, U.S. resume talks on revising nuclear energy pact

Yonhap December 6, 2011 South Korea and the United States resumed talks Tuesday on revising a bilateral pact that defines the boundaries of the Asian countrys use of nuclear energy, with Seoul aiming to gain concessions in the area, officials said. The discussions in Seoul were led by Park Ro-byug, South Koreas envoy for the talks and a former ambassador to Ukraine, and Robert Einhorn, the U.S. State Departments special adviser for nonproliferation and arms control. The two sides were holding their fourth round of talks on revising the pact, which was signed in 1974 and due to expire in 2014. The talks will aim to revise the agreement from being one-sided and dependent to being equal-footed and mutually beneficial, Park told Yonhap news agency by phone. The current pact is largely aimed at making sure that South Koreas use of nuclear power poses no proliferation risks. It bans the country from reprocessing spent fuel because it could yield plutonium, a key ingredient in building atomic bombs. South Korea wants the U.S. to allow it to use a reprocessing technology known as pyroprocessing, which is considered less conducive to proliferation as it leaves separated plutonium mixed with other elements. The country produces nearly 40 percent of its electricity from 20 nuclear reactors, and its storage facilities for spent fuel are expected to reach capacity in 2016. South Korea and the U.S. have already launched a 10year joint research program into pyroprocessing. But nonproliferation advocates say the technology is not much different from reprocessing and claim that South Koreas reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel might

New US policy team against NK to visit ROK tomorrow

Yonhap December 6, 2011 Glyn Davies, the new US special representative for North Korea policy, will make his visit to the ROK December 7th for the first time since he took the post. The US State Department announced that he will visit the ROK, Japan and China. He will be accompanied by Clifford Hart, a US special envoy to six-party talks. Glyn Davies, the US special representative for North Korea policy, will meet with Yim Seong-nam, the special ROK representative for Korean peninsula peace and security affairs, and exchange opinions over DPRKUS talks and inter-Korean talks. Glyn Davies, a former US ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency, is an expert on nuclear non-proliferation affairs and he was appointed this October to replace Stephen Bosworth, a former US special envoy to North Korea. The US had two rounds of bilateral talks with the North on the nuclear issue since this July; however, they did not made a progress.

The ROK and the US has demanded that the North abandon its nuclear programs. North Korea said that it is making rapid progress in producing low-enriched uranium for its light-water nuclear reactor. It implies that the North rejected the demand. Attentions are drawn to whether his visit to the three nations could provide a breakthrough in stalled six-party talks. Back to top

Furthermore, the research paper pointed out cases which show the weakening of loyalty on Leader Kim. The cases include people questioning Korean Workers Party (KWP)s decision, doubting legitimacy of government policies, and not unconditionally following directions from the KWP. Back to top

MMEA has taken delivery of four fast interceptor boats

The Borneo Post December 6, 2011 READY FOR EXHIBITION: Submarine KD Tun Razak at Awana Porto Malai before the opening of the 11th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2011. Bernama photo LANGKAWI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has so far taken delivery of four of the 10 ONUK MRTP16 fast interceptor craft constructed by BYO Marine Sdn Bhd under contract. The official handing over and launch of the vessels, named PENGGALANG 10, 11, 12 and 13, yesterday was witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin at the BYO Marine dockyard here. The Malaysian government signed a contract with BYO Marine on Feb 18 this year for the delivery of 10 ONUK MRTP16 fast interceptor craft. Three of the boats were handed over in June, August and November, respectively, and one was handed over yesterday. MMEA director-general Admiral (Maritime) Datuk Mohd Amdan Kurish said two of the delivered boats were constructed in Turkey and the other two, here. The remaining six are expected to be delivered in June next year. Of the six, two will be built in Turkey and four here. The fast interceptor boats will enhance our capability in undertaking operations, he told reporters after the official launch and delivery ceremony. The three boats delivered earlier have been put into operation in the northern and southern maritime regions to patrol the countrys maritime zones in the Strait of Melaka. Each of the fast interceptor boats can reach a speed of more than 60 knots and can accommodate up to 10 crew at any one time. It takes only 15 minutes to reach the Kuala Perlis jetty from Langkawi compared to the one hour taken by passenger boats. Bernama

Four Missing as Fishing Boat Sinks Off Southwestern Coast

Arirang News December 06, 2011 A small fishing boat with eight sailors on board sank in the waters off the southwestern coast on Monday and coastguards are searching for four missing men after rescuing half the crew. According to the Korea Coast Guard, the 4.7 ton driftnet boat capsized about 7.5 km northeast of Manjae Island in the West Sea after sending out a distress signal at around 8 p.m. Manjae is a small island that lies about 110 km away from the port city of Mokpo in South Jeolla Province. A search and rescue operation is underway to locate the remaining crew members. Back to top

Kim Jong-il often rebukes relaxation of discipline within DPRK military

Yonhap December 6, 2011 An internal document from the DPRK confirmed that DPRK Leader Kim Jong-il has frequently rebuked the military units for being disordered and not properly following orders. According to the research paper from Korea Institute for National Unification, the DPRK has recognized the relaxation of discipline within its military as a serious problem from early 2000. The research paper especially stated that problems including negligence of Leader Kims orders, misappropriation of war supplies, drinking and violence are prevailing across the military units, and analyzed that various political, economic and social causes including military first policy and recent economic hardship are responsible for the issue.

Besides anti-smuggling and anti-piracy operations, these boats can be used in search-and-rescue operations and pollution control. BYO Marine Sdn Bhd is a joint-venture company of Boustead Heavy Industries Defence Technology of Malaysia and Yonca-Onuk JV of Turkey. Back to top

Navy To Induct 24 P-8I Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft

Indo Asian News Service By Gulshan Luthra December 5, 2011 NEW DELHI - The Indian Navy will acquire 12 more Boeing P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance (LRMR) aircraft to boost its eye in the sky over India's territorial waters and exclusive economic zone. This is in addition to the 12 already ordered, a top commander said. Indian Navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma told India Strategic defence magazine (www.indiastrategic.in) in an interview that the force was satisfied with the progress of the first eight P-8Is being built by Boeing under a 2009 order and that the second order for four more aircraft was being processed. It would be placed within the current fiscal ending March 2012. At a later date, it was planned to acquire 12 more P-8Is for offshore surveillance and protection of the Indian waters and interests, bringing the total to 24, Verma added. India's coastline exceeds 7,500 km, besides which there are several island territories and economic interests off the east and west coasts. Hitherto, the Indian Navy has been using old, Sovietvintage maritime reconnaissance aircraft. But, after the 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai, the government cleared the first eight P-8Is within three months of the horror. Four more were cleared earlier this year. In fact, it was Prime Minister Manmohan Singh himself who had asked the defence ministry to ensure the navy's modernisation after the 26/11 attack, in which 10 Pakistani terrorists easily managed to infiltrate into Mumbai and killed 166 people and injured more than 300. It may be noted that there had been a virtual paralysis in the government on defence modernisation after the V.P. Singh government instituted an inquiry in 1989 over the controversial Bofors gun deal with Sweden. The Kargil War over Pakistani occupation of strategic Himalayan heights inside India triggered the first round of modernisation and 26/11 the second.

Verma said that the P-8I is the most advanced LRMR platform with a capability to observe even small boats and destroy hostile submarines. India is the first export customer for this aircraft, and the advantage is that India will benefit from the hi-tech systems being developed for the U.S. Navy, which has ordered 117 aircraft. Most of the specifications of the U.S. and Indian navies are reportedly common but details are understandably being kept secret. There would be some Indian components though, thanks to the offsets and transfer of technology requirements. India's Bharat Electronics Ltd has already started supplying its Data Link II system to facilitate the P-8I's communications with Indian space, naval, and land based-assets. The U.S. aircraft, designated the P8-A poseidon multimission maritime aircraft (MMA), has the capability of broad-area surveillance and launching Harpoon anti-ship and land attack missiles, depth charges and torpedoes against submarines and underwater unmanned assets. The aircraft can also perform electronic intelligence (ELINT) missions with its highly sophisticated Raytheon APY-10 radar and Northrop Grumman electronic warfare (EW) systems. The first Indian P-8I, which first flew on Sep 28 in the presence of Indian Navy officers, is due to be delivered in January 2013. The first U.S. Navy P8-A flew in April 2009 and is due to be delivered mid-2012. Indian Navy officers periodically visit the Boeing factory at Renton in Washington state to monitor the progress of the project and installation of specified systems. India Strategic quoted Verma as saying that he expected all the P-8Is to be delivered in about six to seven years but did not give the planned schedule. The P8 aircraft is a next-generation military version of the Boeing 737-800 fuselage with wingtips from the 737-900. The engines are also from the same CFM family used on commercial 737s but more powerful, permitting the aircraft low level cruise over the waters and launch sonobuoys to detect submarines. There are five stations for systems and weapons operators, and the aircraft can remain in the air for several hours. According to a Boeing statement, 'All sensors contribute to a single fused tactical situation display, which is then shared over both military standard and internet protocol data links, allowing for seamless delivery of information while simultaneously providing data to everyone on the network.' Back to top

First of New Zealand air force new helicopter fleet arrives

Xinhua December 6, 2011 WELLINGTON -- New Zealand's air force began a "quantum leap" in its capabilities Tuesday with the arrival of the its first new French-made NH90 helicopters. Two new NH90s the first of eight on order arrived aboard an Antonov AN 124 transport aircraft, said Defence Minister Wayne Mapp. "These helicopters will provide a quantum leap in capability for the RNZAF," said Mapp in a statement. "The NH90s will give the NZDF better capability to conduct military, counter-terrorism, disaster relief, search and rescue, and other operations." The NH90s had more than triple the power of the Royal New Zealand Air Force's (RNZAF) current Vietnam War-era Iroquois helicopters and could carry more than double the payload further and faster. Its twin engines would enable it to operate safely from and increase the versatility of the navy's sealift and amphibious support vessel, HMNZS Canterbury, said Mapp. The Canterbury is capable of carrying four NH90s for deployment ashore in support of army operations and to help with relief activities. "The Iroquois has been a fantastic workhorse for over 40 years, but they are overdue for replacement," said Mapp. The other six NH90s would be progressively delivered from next year as part of the contract worth 771 million NZ dollars (601.38 million U.S. dollars). They are part of a comprehensive modernization of the RNZAF's helicopters, which include five new A109 helicopters delivered earlier this year to replace the old Sioux helicopters. "These helicopters are another step in the modernisation of the NZDF (New Zealand Defence Force). The recently released Capability Plan details a range of new projects that will further the modernisation agenda," said Mapp. The plan included new advanced training aircraft, upgrading or replacing the Seasprite helicopters, a replacement for the replenishment tanks HMNZS Endeavour and new trucks.

Then Defence Minister Phil Goff, who signed the contract for the NH90s with NHI, based in the south of France, in 2006, said at the time that the new helicopters were intended to be the " cornerstone" of the NZDF capability for the next 30 years. Compared to the Iroquois, the NH90 can carry 19 rather than eight passengers or 12 fully equipped troops as opposed to five, according to the Ministry of Defence. It is also a third faster than the Iroquois with a cruising speed of 260 km per hour, a maximum range of 800 km compared with the Iroquois' 330 km and can lift up to 4,000 kg compared with 820 kg. They were also chosen by New Zealand because they were interoperable with the Australian Air Force, which also operates NH90s. In October, Mapp announced moves to develop a new advanced pilot training capability for the RNZAF, including new advanced trainer aircraft. New training was required in order to operate the air force's upgraded P3 Orion and C-130 Hercules aircraft and the NH90 helicopters, he said. Back to top

Fukushima radioactive water leaked to Pacific: TEPCO

Agence France Presse December 6, 2011 TOKYO - Highly radioactive waste water from a crippled Fukushima nuclear plant has leaked to the Pacific, its operator said Tuesday, promising to prevent similar incidents. Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) said it believes 150 litres (40 US gallons) of waste water including highly harmful strontium, linked with bone cancers, has spread to the open ocean. The announcement came a day after TEPCO said it found 45 tonnes of waste water pooled around the leaky water-treatment system at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. TEPCO said Monday it believed about 300 litres of waste water have escaped and run into a nearby gutter that leads to the ocean before crews could contain the leaks. The water leaked to the sea is believed to contain 26 billion becquerels of radioactive materials, TEPCO said.

The company said, however, human health should not be affected even after eating sea food caught in the area for every day for one year. "We again sincerely apologise for causing worries and troubles to the area residents as well as the society at large for releasing water containing radioactive materials," TEPCO said in a statement. In the weeks after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami hit the plant, TEPCO dumped 10,000 tonnes of lowerlevel radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean. Subsequent reports have found the radiation was widely dispersed and did not pose a threat to human or animal life. Fukushima's makeshift water-treatment system has been hit by a series of problems which forced officials to temporarily shut it down. But TEPCO said the leak would not hinder its plans to bring the reactors to a state of cold shutdown by the end of the year. Large areas around the Fukushima plant have been left contaminated with radiation after a series of meltdowns in the world's worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl. The accident has not directly claimed any lives, but has left tens of thousands of people displaced and rendered whole towns uninhabitable, possibly for decades. Back to top

the Joint Use area, the City requested that U.S. military vehicles not pass through during the park operation hours or when utilized by citizens. Although U.S. Military sides stance is Pass through if needed, there is a policy to find a solution with deep discussion from now on. The schedule of the 3rd Three Party Workinglevel Executive Meeting is not decided yet. Back to top

"Jet noise will be increased after air group transfer" ~ plaintiffs insist at MCAS-I air jet noise lawsuit
Asahi shimbun December 3, 2011 The 14th hearing of MCAS Iwakuni air jet noise lawsuit was held at Yamaguchi District Court Iwakuni Branch on Dec 1, and the plaintiffs insisted the possibility of increasing the noise level after the U.S. carrier-based air group transfer from Atsugi Air Base to MCAS Iwakuni. The plaintiff attorneys indicated the result of their own analysis on the GOJ's forecasting noise survey after the air group transfer and insisted as saying, "F/A-18 Super Hornets, which have louder jet noise, will be deployed. We can hardly say that the forecasting noise survey by GOJ is appropriate." The plaintiffs also referred to the health damage against the noise and pointed out as saying, "The residents are possibly suffering some specific health damages from the jet noise such as hypertension, gastric ulcer and so on, based on the health surveys around Kadena Air Base and MCAS Futenma in Okinawa." Back to top

Discussion of Maintenance and Management Toward Ikego Joint Use

The Second Three Party Working-level Executive Meeting Kanagawa Shimbun By Hideyuki Ogata December 6, 2011 The Second Three Party Working-level Executive Meeting with U.S. Military, Government of Japan and the Zushi City towards making park in the 40-ha of partial land in the Ikego U.S. Military Ikego Housing area was held at the South Kanto Defense Bureau on 5th December. According to the Zushi City, the meeting started with reconfirmation of the sports facilities located in the 40ha area, then discussed the procedure of the maintenance management after the start of Joint Use. If the Joint Use started, the warehouse and the materials storage space [for U.S. Military] is located outside of

Sasebo Seeks To Preserve Station Linked To Pearl Harbor Attack Order

Stars And Stripes By Matthew M. Burke and Elena Sugiyama December 5, 2011 SASEBO NAVAL BASE, Japan Niitakayama nobore 1208. With those words, 3,435 lives, 188 planes, eight battleships, three light cruisers, and some might even say the innocence of a nation, were lost on Dec. 7, 1941. The attack on Pearl Harbor had plunged the U.S. into a brutal world war.

The message, which translated means Climb Mount Niitaka 1208, was uttered over the radio from the Japanese battleship Nagato and relayed to a transmission station in Tokyo. From there, it was relayed to another station before reaching the fleet and setting off the infamous surprise attack. In recent months, Japanese officials in Sasebo have made efforts to protect and preserve a mysterious piece of the history that might have played a key role that fateful day: the Hario wireless telegraph station. The station is believed to be the last station on mainland Japan to receive and relay the message before it reached the strike group. Officials said they hope to designate the site, located about 15 miles from Sasebo Naval Base, a cultural asset that can be used to educate future generations about the war. Because the site in a way symbolizes the war, we use it as a place to teach the children about the war, said Hideaki Matsuo of the Sasebo City Board of Education and a leader of the preservation efforts. We tell the children how the war began, what happened and how sad it was, and thats why we need to treasure it. Matsuo said a final decision getting the site designated a process that includes an investigation by the Council of Cultural Affairs could take place by the end of 2012. Construction began on the three 446-foot transmission towers at the station in 1918 and was completed in 1922. Improved communications were needed as Japan began to expand its empire. Despite heavy bombing in Sasebo by the U.S., the towers remained standing after the war. Sasebo Naval Base historian Philip Eakins, who has studied the towers and visited them many times, said rumors swirl to this day that the Americans couldnt find them to bomb, something he doesnt believe. He said the Americans knew where they were there based on aerial reconnaissance he has seen from the time. The American GIs might have left them alone because they wanted to use them or they werent an important enough target, he said. They were decommissioned by the Japanese in 1997 and today are in the care of the Japanese Coast Guard. The towers are easily spotted from air and sea, but almost impossible to find by car, hidden on paths off the maze of farming roads near U.S. military housing and surrounded by groves of citrus. Despite what is known about the towers, there is no consensus on what role, if any, they played in the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Historians, Japanese military officials, and Sasebo residents alike believe the radio towers did in fact relay the attack message, but no one may ever know with

certainty. Japanese officials acknowledge that after Japan surrendered, the government ordered all of their documents burned. I believe the message was transmitted through Sasebo, said Chief Petty Officer Kazuhiko Tomonaga, a public affairs officer with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Sasebo District Headquarters. Hario station was built to send out signals to Asia and China so I think its possible that the transmission came through Hario. The Japanese believe that the message was relayed from the towers in Sasebo to a larger station in Taiwan (then called Formosa), then out to the fleet. The JMSDF even display two actual copies of the message in their museum in Sasebo, one next to a photo of the three radio towers, and another next to a photo of the burning American ships at Pearl Harbor. We have heard stories where a Japanese military pilot (not involved in the raid) flying over Sasebo captured the transmission to attack Pearl Harbor, Matsuo said. It is said that the pilot knew that it was transmitted from Hario radio station But we have no documents to prove the stories are true. I dont have any reason to doubt that it did come through there, Eakins said. Right after they surrendered, they started burning stuff. A lot of documentation was purposely destroyed. Whether that report was one of them? It could have been. Norikatsu Shika, curator at the JMSDF museum, said that he has seen documents proving the theory but couldnt remember which ones or where he saw them. I believe the message that was sent out from the battleship Nagato transmitted through Hario, he said. Its in the books. Back to top

USS New Orleans Sailors Conduct AntiTerrorism, Force Protection Drills

Navy News Service By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dominique A. Pineiro December 6, 2011 USS NEW ORLEANS, At sea -- Sailors aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) participated in a series of Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP) exercises, Dec. 5 as the ship continued on its current deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR). The quarterly training required Sailors to man a simulated entry control point (ECP) and identify potential threats to the ship.

These were the first AT/FP exercises of New Orleans' now three-week-old deployment, and required participation from each of the ship's duty sections to test Sailors reactions to different situations. "All the duty sections will go through these drills and put this training into action," said Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance) 1st Class Benjamin Myers, a member of the AT/FP training team. Marines of the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) were used as role players in an attempt to make the situations as real as possible for the Sailors undergoing the training. Scenarios included the Marine role players attempting to board the ship without proper identification, and trying to penetrate the ECP with a simulated improvised explosive device. "I like to have the mentality of 'when' it's going to happen, not 'if,'" said Chief Master-at-Arms Edward Mendoza, AT/FP training team coordinator. "It keeps your mindset more alert and I try to give that mentality to the watchstanders because my priority is the safety of the ship. We need to make sure we can protect it." Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Benoit Cisneros, who took part in the drills, said the training offered realistic scenarios. "The likelihood of someone trying to come on the ship that forgot his or her ID or trying to use someone else's is very realistic," he said. "Some of the scenarios are not uncommon, so it's good we all have the same level of training so we know how to respond." New Orleans is assigned to Amphibious Squadron 5, commanded by Capt. Humberto L. Quintanilla II, and along with embarked 11th MEU Marines, the ship is deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group. Commissioned in 2007, New Orleans is the second of the San Antonio-class transport dock ships. Its warfighting capabilities include a state-of-the-art command and control suite, substantially increased vehicle lift capacity, a large flight deck, and advanced ship survivability features that enhance its ability to operate in the littoral environment. The 7th Fleet AOR includes more than 52 million square miles of the Pacific and Indian oceans, stretching from the international date line to the east coast of Africa, and from the Kuril Islands in the north to the Antarctic in the south.

More than half of the world's population lives within the 7th Fleet AOR. In addition, more than 80 percent of that population lives within 500 miles of the oceans, which means this is an inherently maritime region. Back to top

Miami Marlins Visit GW

Navy News Service By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Erin Devenberg December 6, 2011 YOKOSUKA, Japan -- Three professional baseball players from the Miami Marlins visited Sailors aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) Dec. 4. Two outfielders, a catcher, a triad of team dancers and Billy, the Marlins' mascot spent time on the ship's aft mess decks signing T-shirts, taking photos and eating Navy chow, before taking their ship tour. "Thankful? Yes, I am," said Bryan Petersen, an outfielder for the Marlins. "I am thankful to the men and women who serve our country and provide me the security to lay my head down at night and wake up with the freedom to pursue any dream I choose." "These Sailors have given so much of their time and effort serving us, now it's time to give back and serve them," added Petersen. On an aircraft carrier which is home to 5,000 Americans, Ashley Shimmer, a Mermaids' dancer, was surprised to have a chance encounter with an old friend from high school. "While signing autographs, someone came up to me," said Ashley "I then realized it was my friend from high school, he was the last person I expected to see here and I had no idea I would see him on this ship." Machinist's Mate Fireman Edward Rojo from Miami says he hasn't seen Ashley in a couple of years and was very thankful for the unexpected visit. "It was good to see her again and catch up," said Rojo "She was one of a few who were selected to come out and I'm grateful for the opportunity to see an old friend again." After spending time with the crew, the team took a tour of the ship's bridge, flight deck and flight deck control to get a first-hand experience of what it's like to be a Sailor aboard the Navy's only full-time forward deployed nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

The Marlins' overseas tour, which is sponsored by Armed Forces Entertainment, will also visit Guam and Hawaii and have already completed tours earlier this year to Bahrain, Germany and Cuba. During their scheduled tour, the Marlins will participate in activities such as Baseball Clinics, Dance Clinics, Meet and Greets and attend softball games. Back to top

Overlooking Indias military build-up

The International News By Momin Iftikhar December 6, 2011 While chronicling ten most overlooked events and trends of the current times which will have a major impact in shaping the global geopolitical environment in the immediate future, the prestigious Foreign Policy (FP) magazine has rated Indias stupendous military spending and rising military profile on top of its thought provoking list published recently. Quoting three top rated arms watch dogs and think tanks; Stockholm based SIPRI, Washington based Centre for Strategic and International Studies, and maritime analysis firm AM International, the magazine has brought into focus the rising power of Indias military profile that is being determinedly crafted, through allocation of large and sustained spending, to provide India with the military muscle to dominate the Region. An overview of Indias latest military acquisitions may give the impression of being China centric yet these developments only serve to further escalate the looming threat to Pakistan. But first a look at the cardinal facts revealed by the FP. First, between the period 2006-2010 India has become worlds largest weapon importer accounting for 9% of the international arms transfers. As the accelerating Indian economy (growth rate in 2010-2011 estimated at 8.4%) rakes in more wealth, the defence spending has leapt forward with an unrestrained momentum. Indias defence budget estimate in Feb 2010 anticipated a figure of 1.76 trillion Indian rupees ($38.4 bn); equivalent to 2.5% of countrys GDP. To update its ageing military inventory, by 2015 India will spend an estimated $80 billion on military modernization programmes. Second, Indias particular focus is on acquiring sea power not only to dominate the Indian Ocean but to extend its power to South China Sea, very sensitive to China in view of the competing claims made by various littoral states. The country is planning to spend almost $45bn over the next 20 years on acquiring 103 new

warships, including destroyers and nuclear submarines. By comparison, during the same period Chinese investment in inducting 135 new naval vessels is projected at around $135bn. Third, the rise in Indias military profile in the region, manifestly aimed at counterbalancing Chinese power, has the US nod and backing. The Pentagons 2010 Quadrennial Defence Review, as quoted by the FP, welcomed a more influential role in global affairs for India, including the Indian ocean region. The fact was underscored during third week of November when President Obama participated in the Asean and the East Asia Summits and made it very clear that US wanted India in a leadership role in the Asia Pacific Region where traditionally China has held supremacy since time immemorial. As the FP analysis has highlighted, slowly but surely, India has begun to invest heavily in its military capabilities to emerge as the dominant power of the region. The pattern of Indias military spending indicates an essential change in her strategy to shift from a defensive to an offensive posture viz a viz China. In December 2009 the then Indian Army Chief, General Deepak Kapoor, while talking to media indicated that the army was revising its doctrine to fight a two front war with both Pakistan and China. Earlier in August the same year Defence Minister Antony announced allocation of $200 million to build roads to ease logistics buildup and troop movement near border with China. To enhance military capability in mountain warfare, India has completed raising of two new mountain divisions of 36000 troops each. Plans have also been drawn to raise a new mountain strike corps and a third artillery division in the area. The Indian Air Force has begun to deploy two squadrons of Su-30MKI at Tezpur Air Base, close to Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China besides upgrading six airstrips in Arunachal Pradesh. The Indian air defence capability close to LAC has shown quantum improvement with acquisition of AWACS aircraft and 19 low altitude transportable medium power radars. While the Indian Army and the IAF have begun to gear up for the Chinese challenge it is in development of the Indian Navy Force structure where Indians are investing in a major way to follow up their dreams of ruling the oceans. India has acquired through a 10 years lease an Akula class nuclear submarine, INS Chakra from Russia in August this year. Meanwhile INS Arihant, Indias first locally built, nuclear powered submarine is expected to undergo two

to three years of sea trial before commissioning; the vessel was launched in July 2009. India is also in the process of buying six Russian P-751 submarines at an estimated cost of $10.72bn; making it one of Indias largest arms deal. This is in addition to the six French Scorpene submarines, which will begin to enter service in 20142015. Aircraft Carrier INS Vikramaditya with MiG 29 K on deck will be inducted into the Indian Navy by the end of 2012. It will be followed into service by INS Vikrant in 2015; becoming Indias first locally manufactured aircraft carrier. Given the state of our economy, the run amok Indian military buildup is impossible to match for Pakistan. Despite Indian efforts to structure its force goals and military strategy to take on China in the years to come, the cutting edge of her military capability still and for long times to come, will continue to remain Pakistan centric. Out of five Indian Theatre Commands, four viz Northern Command, Western Command, Southern Command and part of Central Command are designated, equipped and positioned for operations against Pakistan. Her principal offensive formations constituting three Strike Corps, built around a nucleus of an armoured division and mechanized troops, are meant to operate in the desert and semi-desert areas of Pakistan; not in the frigid heights of the Indo-China border. So is the positioning of her air assets and bases. As indicated by FP, quietly but inexorably, the Indian military juggernaut is gearing up for regional dominance. This presents military planners in Pakistan with difficult options to maintain a credible balance of deterrence. In this stark calculus Pakistans nuclear deterrence acquires a vital and an irrefutable relevance of its own. Back to top

How A DC-3 Replacement Ended Up In China

Strategy Page December 5, 2011 December 5, 2011: An old Russian aircraft design, the An-12, is getting a second life as the Chinese Y-8. This Chinese copy of the An-12 never caught on big as a transport, but has been showing up as a radar (AWACS) maritime patrol/anti-submarine and electronic warfare aircraft. China has been building the Y-8 since the early 1980s. The 54 ton propeller driven Y-8 can, like the similar American C-130, can carry 20 tons. China only built about a 130 Y-8s over the last 30 years, and sold some to Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Sudan. Meanwhile, more new uses are being found for the Y-8. One was recently converted to a medical evacuation aircraft, able to carry 39 casualties on stretchers and fifteen able to sit, plus medical personnel. Many of the older An-12s are still flying. But earlier this year Russia grounded all An-12 transports after one developed problems with one of its four turboprop engines and crashed in the Far East. The Russian answer to the American C-130, the 61 ton An-12 entered service in 1959 (two years after the C-130), but production ceased in 1973 (after 1,280 were built). The 70 ton C130 remains in production and over 2,300 have been built. Hundreds of An-12s are still in service, mostly with cutrate airlines in out-of-the-way areas. In the last two years, five An-12s have crashed (in Egypt, two in Congo, the Philippines and Russia). The current grounding will remain in effect until all operational aircraft can be checked for some common flaw. Actually, all these aircraft do have a common problem; old age. The average operational An-12 is over 40 years. Maintenance is often skimpy and flying one of these aircraft is literally a death-defying event. The An-12 was a military version of the An-10 commercial passenger and freight transport. In turn, the An-10 was a four engine version of the twin engine An-8, designed after the war to replace the Russian license built DC-3s. Meanwhile, the Chinese Y-8s are well maintained and constantly updated with new equipment. China is apparently increasing production and finding even more uses for this 60 year old design. Back to top

America on comeback trail

Need to ensure sovereignty and integrity, and concern over US intention to deepen military presence in region By Ruhanas Harun

New Straits Times December 6, 2011 THE United States is not a new actor to the region. For 20 odd years it was embroiled in the Vietnam War, allied itself with several countries of Southeast Asia under the Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation (Seato, formed in 1954) and took up the responsibility of protecting South Korea from the North. It had bases in the Philippines until the end of the lease on the Subic Bay naval bases in 1992 and has allies in Australia and New Zealand under the Australia, New Zealand, United States Security Treaty (Anzus). During the Cold War, it was an accepted fact that containing China was a prime reason for US commitment to the region. But in 1991, the Cold War ended. The US seemed confident enough to leave Southeast Asia on its own as it moved towards an era of peace, economic development and democratisation so dear to the hearts in Washington. Then came Sept 11, 2001, which saw the US looking this way again. The US became pre-occupied with democratisation and making the world safe against terrorism, both of which applied to Southeast Asia. But this time, re-entry, or re-engagement, seems to be a lot easier for the US for many reasons. The ideological rivalry is no longer there to pose a constraint. Its return is being reinforced by positive relations with a string of allies, friends and partners in the region. Its commitment to the region in terms of security and military presence did not diminish. President Barack Obamas unveiling of plans to deepen American military presence in the AsiaPacific region during his trip to Australia last month is a logical follow-up of the United States desire to maintain its already strong influence in the region. For Southeast Asia, this can be both welcome and of concern. America is undoubtedly a long-standing friend of Asean, although the rhetoric of some countries in the region may appear to be the contrary. Over the years, the US has gained the friendship and trust of countries previously suspicious or at odds with it. Such is the case of Vietnam, which now feels more comfortable with the US as a countervailing force against its strong and unpredictable neighbour, China.

It is clear that China is a contained power. It can look east and will meet Japan and South Korea, two of Americas trusted allies. To the north, one wonders if China will find a comfortable ally in Russia and neighbouring Central Asia. To the west, China has to contend with India, an emerging power, a democracy and increasingly warming up to the United States. The emerging US-Australia-India strategic relations are also being looked at with interest by many. Southeast Asia has close political and economic relations with China, but it is difficult for Asean to be totally comfortable and open with China, as it is with the US for varying reasons. Four Asean member countries are currently involved in South China Sea disputes with China. Two of Southeast Asias potential regional powers, out of experience, are not totally comfortable with China. Singapore does not hide the fact that it looks to the US for protection. In short, American presence in Southeast Asia at this period brings relief to many simply because it will not change the existing chessboard. But there is some concern about the US intention to deepen their military presence in the region. If it is done too fast, too deep and somewhat arrogantly, many countries are worried that it might antagonise China and cause the dragon to be even angrier. Though nothing has been mentioned about containing China, could that be the real issue? Australia has been trying hard to make itself accepted as part of Asia and got itself accepted as part of the Asia Pacific. But Australia has over the years become Americas special friend and with the US well entrenched in Southeast Asia, Australia will no doubt be its junior partner in its re-engagement in the region. Obama has travelled to Darwin, described as the gateway to Southeast Asia, and it will host American troops. What could be more opportune than coming to Southeast Asia from down under, and causing some jitters in Indonesia? The US strategic interests in Asia include regional concerns about human trafficking, piracy, violent extremism and the future of the Korean peninsula. While it is legitimate for the US to express its security concerns in the region, its deepening, military presence puts Asean in a dilemma. Despite past negative

experience in their relations with China, Asean countries today have accepted Chinas rise and prefer the opportunity rather than the threat option in their appraisal of China. Southeast Asia is one of the few, if not the only region, where China does not encounter serious challenges to its rise. Many in Asean are both surprised and delighted that the US is now actively courting Myanmar, Chinas longtime friend, and a country Washington had previously shunned. Are Asean countries actively looking to refurbish their relationships with the US as a way of balancing against Chinese power, as suggested by some? Not really. Asean countries maintain that they have no quarrel with China and are not willing to fight someone elses battle against China. On the other hand, it is the US that is actively seeking to come back to this region where its presence is easier sustained than in many other parts of the world and where the biggest challenge to its dominance as a world power resides. For Asean, the dilemma is managing the delicate balance between the necessity to reassure its security and the desire to have its sovereignty and integrity respected. While there are differences among Asean members with regards to outside powers intentions in the region, they all agree that arrogance is unacceptable, wherever it might originate. Back to top

North Korea. The conditions in Myanmar also suggest some likely benchmarks for what it would take for the secretary of state to visit Pyongyang: an embrace of nascent economic and political reforms (including the possible release of some political prisoners); a return to the denuclearization commitments embodied in the September 2005 Six Party Joint Statement; and a South Korean political leader with the credibility to champion U.S. engagement so as to protect the administration from conservative congressional criticism. These conditions would represent a higher political threshold than what was required by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright in her October 2000 meetings with Kim Jong-il in Pyongyang; however, that meeting occurred in the wake of Kim Dae-jung's historic June 2000 summit meeting with Kim Jong-il, through which Kim Jong-il made his first public appearance on the international stage. Although speculation had arisen that North Korea might be pursuing a covert uranium enrichment program, there was not yet hard public evidence that North Korea had walked away from its denuclearization commitments. Thus, Kim Dae-jung's support for U.S.-DPRK rapprochement, in the context of an existing agreement in which North Korea had promised to abandon its nuclear program, played a critical enabling role in the Clinton administration's outreach to Pyongyang in October 2000. But the promise of Kim Dae-jung's opening to the North proved hollow on two counts: Kim Dae-jung's policy promised to change the North, but instead it deepened political divisions in South Korea between progressives and conservatives; and it was subsequently revealed that the summit was bought and paid for by at least $500 million in cash (in fact, the summit was delayed by a day so that the North Koreans could have time to confirm the cash transfer). Even if North Korea were to move toward reform and make tangible moves toward denuclearization, the final element from the U.S. opening to Myanmar that is missing in the North Korea case is that there is no Nobel Prize-winning democracy activist available to provide political affirmation (especially to Congress) for U.S. outreach to North Korean political leaders along the lines of that which has been provided for the Obama administration by Aung San Suu Kyi. There is only one South Korean political leader with the conservative credentials and a sufficiently compelling personal narrative to be able to provide political protection for a U.S. opening to North Korea, regardless of the outcome of South Korea's December 2012 presidential election, and that is Park Geun-hye. Despite having lost her mother (then South Korea's first lady) to assassination by a North Korean agent in 1974, she is the only Grand National Party politician to have met

After Burma, Could Hillary Clinton Visit North Korea?

The Atlantic By Scott A. Snyder December 6, 2011 Secretary Hillary Clinton's historic visit to Myanmar, the first by a U.S. secretary of state in over fifty years, has stimulated speculation among journalists (including at the end of her interview with the BBC in Rangoon) regarding the circumstances under which she might visit

personally with Kim Jong-il during a visit to Pyongyang in May 2002. Will Secretary Clinton visit Pyongyang? Don't hold your breath. But if North Korea were to follow in Myanmar's political footsteps sufficiently to earn the affirmation and endorsement of Park Geun-hye, it wouldn't be a bad bet. Back to top

thereafter, eventually, into a blue water navy capable of projecting power regionally, though not globally. He insisted that he was not Chinas Alfred Thayer Mahan, but his concept of Near Seas defense was roughly comparable to Mahans views on U.S. naval strategic requirements (i.e., dominance of the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, Panama, and Hawaii). The key to the realization of Lius vision was an aircraft carrier, and Liu reportedly vowed in 1987, I will not die with my eyes closed if I do not see a Chinese aircraft carrier in front of me. Lius eyes can close now. Much of the Asia-Pacific region, as well as the Asiawatching strategic community in the United States, is hotly debating the implications of Chinese aircraft carrier development. Adm. Robert Willard, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, said in April that he was not concerned about Chinas first carrier going to sea, but allowed, Based on the feedback that we received from our partners and allies in the Pacific, I think the change in perception by the region will be significant. Australian Brig. Gen. John Frewen contends, The unintended consequences of Chinese carriers pose the greatest threat to regional harmony in the decades ahead. Former director of Defense Intelligence Headquarters in the Japan Defense Agency Admiral Fumio Ota, JMSDF (Ret.), asserts, The trials of Chinas first aircraft carrier...mark the beginning of a major transition in naval doctrine...Aircraft carriers will provide Beijing with tremendous capabilities and flexibility...[A] Chinese carrier could pose a serious threat to Japanese territorial integrity...Chinas new aircraft carrier increases its tactical abilities and the chances of a strategic overreach. Other countries in the region should be worried. Yet while the Asia-Pacific region is hotly debating the implications of Chinas aircraft carrier, there should be little surprise that a Chinese aircraft carrier has finally set sail. Indeed, what is most surprising about Chinas aircraft carrier program is that it took this long to come to fruition. Given the discussions about an aircraft carrier that have percolated in Chinas strategic community for decades, it should have been clear to the entire region that this was a long time coming. Back to top

Chinas Starter Carrier No Shock

The Diplomat By Andrew S. Erickson, Abraham M. Denmark & Gabe Collins December 6, 2011 Just as a newlywed couple wants a starter home, a new great power wants a starter carrier. Chinas navy has finally realized its longtime dream of obtaining an aircraft carrier and sending it to sea. This is the first step in a long journey that will change Chinas navy and how it relates to the world. At 5:40 AM local time on Wednesday, August 10, more than 80 years after the idea was originally proposed, Chinas first carrier disappeared into the fog under tight security from Dalian harbors Xianglujiao Port, in northeast Liaoning Province, to begin sea trials in the Bohai and northern Yellow Seas. This was yet another coming out party for China as a great power on the rise. Upon its launch, the nation burst with patriotic pride over the achievement. Major General Luo Yuan, deputy secretary-general of the China Society of Military Sciences, declared, Well begun is half done...[T]he effect of having something is completely different from the effect of having nothing. Before foreign strategists start hyperventilating about the beginning of the end, however, a deep breath is needed. Chinas initial carrier foray followed a six-year refit and lasted only four days. Chinas starter carriera vessel originally purchased incomplete from Ukraine in 1998is of very limited military utility; it will serve primarily to confer prestige on a rising great power, help the Chinese military master basic procedures of naval airpower, and project a bit of military powerperhaps especially against the smaller neighbors on the periphery of the South China Sea. This isn't the beginning of the end; it is the end of the beginning. To realize its ambitions for the future, China had to start somewhere. Late in 2010, Adm. Liu Huaqing, the father of Chinas modern navy, passed away. Liu had sought to build Chinas navy first into a green water force and

Beijings Starter Carrier and Future Steps: Alternatives and Implications

Naval War College Review

December 5, 2011 Just as a newlywed couple wants a starter home, a new great power wants a starter carrier. Chinas navy has finally realized its longtime dream of obtaining an aircraft carrier and sending it to sea. This is the first step in a long journey that will change Chinas navy and how it relates to the world. At 5:40 AM local time on Wednesday, 10 August 2011, more than eighty years after the idea was originally proposed, Chinas first carrier disappeared into the fog under tight security from Dalian harbors Xianglujiao Port, in northeast Liaoning Province, to begin sea trials in the Bohai and northern Yellow Seas. This was yet another coming-out party for China as a great power on the rise. Upon its launch, the nation burst with patriotic pride over the achievement. Major General Luo Yuan, deputy secretary-general of the China Society of Military Sciences, declared, Well begun is half done. . . . [T]he effect of having something is completely different from the effect of having nothing. Plans are under way to commemorate this new era of Chinese sea power, and to boost the economy further in the process. Tianjin, one of the countrys four municipalities, plans to do its part in October 2011 by opening Chinas first aircraft carrierthemed hotel, based on Kiev, once the Soviet Pacific Fleets flagship and now the centerpiece of the Tianjin Binhai Aircraft Carrier Theme Park. A Chinese flagship as capable as Kiev once was remains far away, but Beijing has taken the first step and is already reaping added influence at home and abroad. Before foreign strategists start hyperventilating about the beginning of the end, however, a deep breath is needed. Chinas initial carrier foray followed a six-year refit and lasted only four days. Chinas starter carriera vessel originally purchased incomplete from Ukraine in 1998is of very limited military utility; it will serve primarily to confer prestige on a rising great power, help the Chinese military master basic procedures of naval airpower, and project a bit of military powerperhaps especially against the smaller neighbors on the periphery of the South China Sea. This is not the beginning of the end; it is the end of the beginning. To realize its ambitions for the future, China had to start somewhere. Late in 2010, Admiral Liu Huaqing, the father of Chinas modern navy, passed away. Liu had sought to build Chinas navy first into a green water force and thereafter, eventually, into a blue water navy capable of projecting power regionally, though not globally. He insisted that he was not Chinas Alfred Thayer Mahan, but his concept of Near Seas defense was roughly comparable to Mahans views on U.S. naval strategic requirements (i.e., dominance of the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, Panama, and Hawaii). The key to the realization of Lius vision was an aircraft carrier, and

Liu reportedly vowed in 1987, I will not die with my eyes closed if I do not see a Chinese aircraft carrier in front of me. Admiral Lius eyes can close now. Much of the Asia-Pacific region, as well as the Asiawatching strategic community in the United States, is hotly debating the implications of Chinese aircraft carrier development. Admiral Robert Willard, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, said in April 2011 that he was not concerned about Chinas first carrier going to sea, but allowed, Based on the feedback that we received from our partners and allies in the Pacific, I think the change in perception by the region will be significant. Australian brigadier general John Frewen contends, The unintended consequences of Chinese carriers pose the greatest threat to regional harmony in the decades ahead. Former director of Defense Intelligence Headquarters in the Japan Defense Agency Admiral Fumio Ota, JMSDF (Ret.), asserts, The trials of Chinas first aircraft carrier . . . mark the beginning of a major transition in naval doctrine. . . . Aircraft carriers will provide Beijing with tremendous capabilities and flexibility. . . . [A] Chinese carrier could pose a serious threat to Japanese territorial integrity. . . . Chinas new aircraft carrier increases its tactical abilities and the chances of a strategic overreach. Other countries in the region should be worried. Yet while the Asia-Pacific region is hotly debating the implications of Chinas aircraft carrier, there should be little surprise that a Chinese aircraft carrier has finally set sail. Indeed, what is most surprising about Chinas aircraft carrier program is that it took this long to come to fruition. Given the discussions about an aircraft carrier that have percolated in Chinas strategic community for decades, it should have been clear to the entire region that this was a long time coming. Back to top

China, US, Japan, Taiwan four nations tilting out of balance

Taiwan News December 6, 2011 TAIPEI (Taiwan News) During the period in Chinese history known as the Warring States, a political strategist convinced a king to forge an alliance of six nations to prevent another nation, the Qin, from expanding. The writer said the grass should be cut early to prevent it from growing too crude, necessitating the use of axes. The writings advice is worth bearing in mind when considering Taiwans present international situation. Taiwan is in the middle of a presidential and legislative election campaign. The candidates banners are flying on main streets and inside narrow alleys, and the candidates themselves are arguing about the price of rice wine and

persimmons, but neither Kuomintang nor Democratic Progressive Party are paying much attention to international issues related to Taiwans fate and future. Ever since the Second World War, Taiwan has been caught between major powers. Never mind whether on the issues of geography, culture, military affairs, economy or any other aspect, Taiwan has always found it hard to resist its fate on the international scene. Over the past fifty years Taiwan has always relied on support from the United States, but in recent years, there have been signs of a tilting balance, which can be analyzed in detail from at least three angles. First, there is the worsening global economic recession. Taiwans economy is dominated by trade and export, leaving it unable to stay outside of the impact of the global economy. When the 2008 financial crisis enveloped the whole world, China turned into the locomotive saving the international economy. Taiwans exports to China also rose by 50 percent the following year, just preventing Taiwans economic growth from falling too harshly. This year, Japan suffered the economic destruction resulting from an earthquake and a tsunami, Europe has been saddled with a difficult-tosolve debt problem, the United States also have a problematic debt situation, so another potential economic recession might be heading Taiwans way. When one looks at Taiwans environment on four sides, all its trade partners will find it difficult to save themselves. In contrast, China has already become Taiwans biggest export market and the origin of a trade surplus. Last year, Taiwans trade surplus with China reached more than US$77 billion, and this year, as Taiwans businesses are waiting for the spring swallows to arrive, China, through its Taiwan Affairs Bureau, announced it would open a door for the excess produce of Taiwans agriculture. But does this mean that the economic recession in Taiwan only counts as an economic problem? Second, the US government is wracking its brain over its enormous financial problems, so it is even more eager to avoid potential competition with China, providing an environment suitable for theories to emerge advocating the abandonment of Taiwan. The US government approved a raise in its debt ceiling in order to facilitate a job creation program. Even though its effect is not clear yet, it has already resulted in a rise of the US debt by almost US$1 trillion, worsening its already considerably vulnerable debt position. Over the past few years, China has been holding considerable amounts of US government debt, now already exceeding US$900 billion. For the US government, this is like being stabbed in the back. At the same time, the US is continuously asking China to let its currency appreciate as compensation for its huge trade surplus, but China is not only continuing to manage the exchange rate. Even Germany has publicly stated that since China and

Germany both are major export nations, it would support China in this particular dispute. Such an enormous and real economic pressure has led to the surfacing of even more calls to reassess the US-Taiwan relationship. In March, an article in the Foreign Affairs bimonthly called on the US to reappraise its promise to defend Taiwan in order to maintain mutual peace and avoid a negative arms race spiral. During November, the New York Times published an op-ed piece calling to stop arms sales to Taiwan and to abandon the defense of the island in exchange for China to drop its US debt and save the US economy. Even though US authorities immediately came out to reject that line of thinking as nave and crazy, nevertheless US foreign policy and strategy has national interest first as its decisive element. If the US is left without measures to counter the evolution of its economic relations with China, it could still have difficulty to avoid being forced to make a choice. Finally, its also clear and easy to see that the US is withdrawing its first line of defense from Asia, which could lead Taiwan to fall alone without help, and even turn into a lost son. Considering cuts in defense spending and military manpower as well as facing Chinas aircraft carrier and the rise of its maritime strike power, the US has gradually started to withdraw its first line of defense from Asia in order to avoid a possible hot war and clashes. Its bases in Okinawa, Japan, are at the forefront of the strategic line. However Japan has balked at shouldering an annual cost of nearly 600 billion yen as well as frequent law-and-order problems. Domestic protests in Japan have led to the US transferring half of its personnel to Guam this year, while a complete withdrawal from Japan is possible in the future. At the same time, the US has also strengthened the construction of its base in Guam and plans to station troops in northern Australia. As disputes raged over islands in the South China Sea in 2009, the US also prepared to spread its military influence into Southeast Asia. The force that the US showed in the South China Sea disputes is a reflection of its interests in airline routes, natural resources, trading partners and strategic allies, even forcing it to mention the term national interest in order to strengthen the case for its intervention in the South China Sea dispute. It is clear that the US plans to use control over the South China Sea to successfully close off the Strait of Malacca during wartime as well as the sea route between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific. Such a move would exert pressure on the oil supply route between the Middle East and China, cut off the pulse of Chinas economy, and turn the South China Sea into a second Persian Gulf. It is clearly visible that the US has drawn the shape of an arc for its new Asia strategy. It has withdrawn from its traditional first island chain to close off China to a second island chain to contain China. The new strategy

extends the Chinese navys line of supply and moves the center of the chain back from Taiwan to Guam, while simultaneously blocking Chinas key route to the Indian Ocean. The US method of surrounding China on the water hasnt changed, but it has exchanged distance for temporary harmony, and put the extremely contentious Taiwan question outside of its strategy. In other words, the future US strategic line will have at its heart the defense of the second island line and control over the South China Sea, with the sea inside the island chain turning into Chinas internal sea. It can be guessed without saying what kind of fate Taiwan will face under this new strategy. From the previous observations it is not difficult to see that Taiwans economic benefit and strategic value to the US has been continuing to diminish. Once described as an unsinkable aircraft carrier, the island is now no longer irreplaceable. Todays Taiwan is like a product in US hands waiting for the right price to sell. Even though it has no more taste, it will not be thrown away like garbage. The problem is that the only interested customer and the only one which has the money to pay for it, is China, which is now looking when the time is right to put its cards on the table. One reason to be happy is that there is still a long road ahead for the process of haggling. Taiwan also holds the ability to make a different choice and choose a road of its own. If it can react timely, and raise its own value, maybe it can avoid falling into a situation of no avail. Back to top

In fact, China's five-year plan ensures the consistency of macro-economic policy. Such consistency, embedded in government control of the economy, bolsters efficiency of labor-intensive and low-value added industries, which initially came at the cost of not only the environment, but also a level playing field and social justice. Meanwhile, the rise of the middle class in China has made people aware of social issues like labor rights. More individualism is likely to be the recipe for China to ensure social justice. While promoting reforms, China shouldn't be tempted by the West's liberal beliefs and change the role of the government in its economy. A recent report by the UN Conference on Trade and Development suggests the least developed countries to follow China's model in respecting the government's role, instead of the marketoriented therapy that IMF and the World Bank prescribed. The essence of the report says loud and clear that the unregulated free market led to the collapse of Lehman Brothers and the growth collapses in the poorest economies. Back to top

The new Cold War

America's military buildup in Asia could launch a devastating arms and energy race between the U.S. and China Salon.com By Michael Klare December 6, 2011 When it comes to China policy, is the Obama administration leaping from the frying pan directly into the fire? In an attempt to turn the page on two disastrous wars in the Greater Middle East, it may have just launched a new Cold War in Asia once again, viewing oil as the key to global supremacy. The new policy was signaled by President Obama himself on November 17th in an address to the Australian Parliament in which he laid out an audacious and extremely dangerous geopolitical vision. Instead of focusing on the Greater Middle East, as has been the case for the last decade, the United States will now concentrate its power in Asia and the Pacific. My guidance is clear, he declared in Canberra. As we plan and budget for the future, we will allocate the resources necessary to maintain our strong military presence in this region. While administration officials insist that this new policy is not aimed specifically at China, the implication is clear enough: From now on, the primary focus of American military strategy will not be

Embattled West unprepared for rise of a practical China

People Daily December 6, 2011 Despite its swift growth, China's image has hardly improved in the West. More than a few Western observers argue that China's model is barely sustainable due to so-called authoritarianism, and that China is very reluctant to take on more international responsibilities. I do not agree with such criticism. China is viewed through an ideological lens. Its model has been grilled, partly because the West, whose own capitalism is going through a severe crisis, is instinctively reluctant to accept the success of an emerging nation. In other words, an embattled West has been caught unprepared by a defiant but practical China. Take the issue of labor rights. The West selectively ignores the reforms that the Chinese government has been practicing. They arbitrarily say that labor rights here have barely improved due to a very aggressive government.

counterterrorism, but the containment of that economically booming land at whatever risk or cost. The Planets New Center of Gravity The new emphasis on Asia and the containment of China is necessary, top officials insist, because the Asia-Pacific region now constitutes the center of gravity of world economic activity. While the United States was bogged down in Iraq and Afghanistan, the argument goes, China had the leeway to expand its influence in the region. For the first time since the end of World War II, Washington is no longer the dominant economic actor there. If the United States is to retain its title as the worlds paramount power, it must, this thinking goes, restore its primacy in the region and roll back Chinese influence. In the coming decades, no foreign policy task will, it is claimed, be more important than this. In line with its new strategy, the administration has undertaken a number of moves intended to bolster American power in Asia, and so put China on the defensive. These include a decision to deploy an initial 250 U.S. Marines someday to be upped to 2,500 to an Australian air base in Darwin on that countrys north coast, and the adoption on November 18th of the Manila Declaration, a pledge of closer U.S. military ties with the Philippines. At the same time, the White House announced the sale of 24 F-16 fighter jets to Indonesia and a visit by Hillary Clinton to isolated Burma, long a Chinese ally the first there by a secretary of state in 56 years. Clinton has also spoken of increased diplomatic and military ties with Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam all countries surrounding China or overlooking key trade routes that China relies on for importing raw materials and exporting manufactured goods. As portrayed by administration officials, such moves are intended to maximize Americas advantages in the diplomatic and military realm at a time when China dominates the economic realm regionally. In a recent article in Foreign Policy magazine, Clinton revealingly suggested that an economically weakened United States can no longer hope to prevail in multiple regions simultaneously. It must choose its battlefields carefully and deploy its limited assets most of them of a military nature to maximum advantage. Given Asias strategic centrality to global power, this means concentrating resources there. Over the last 10 years, she writes, we have allocated immense resources to [Iraq and Afghanistan]. In the next 10 years, we need to be smart and systematic about where we invest time and energy, so that we put ourselves in the best position to sustain our leadership [and] secure our interests One of the most important

tasks of American statecraft over the next decade will therefore be to lock in a substantially increased investment diplomatic, economic, strategic, and otherwise in the Asia-Pacific region. Such thinking, with its distinctly military focus, appears dangerously provocative. The steps announced entail an increased military presence in waters bordering China and enhanced military ties with that countrys neighbors moves certain to arouse alarm in Beijing and strengthen the hand of those in the ruling circle (especially in the Chinese military leadership) who favor a more activist, militarized response to U.S. incursions. Whatever forms that takes, one thing is certain: the leadership of the globes number two economic power is not going to let itself appear weak and indecisive in the face of an American buildup on the periphery of its country. This, in turn, means that we may be sowing the seeds of a new Cold War in Asia in 2011. The U.S. military buildup and the potential for a powerful Chinese counter-thrust have already been the subject of discussion in the American and Asian press. But one crucial dimension of this incipient struggle has received no attention at all: the degree to which Washingtons sudden moves have been dictated by a fresh analysis of the global energy equation, revealing (as the Obama administration sees it) increased vulnerabilities for the Chinese side and new advantages for Washington. The New Energy Equation For decades, the United States has been heavily dependent on imported oil, much of it obtained from the Middle East and Africa, while China was largely selfsufficient in oil output. In 2001, the United States consumed 19.6 million barrels of oil per day, while producing only nine million barrels itself. The dependency on foreign suppliers for that 10.6 millionbarrel shortfall proved a source of enormous concern for Washington policymakers. They responded by forging ever closer, more militarized ties with Middle Eastern oil producers and going to war on occasion to ensure the safety of U.S. supply lines. In 2001, China, on the other hand, consumed only five million barrels per day and so, with a domestic output of 3.3 million barrels, needed to import only 1.7 million barrels. Those cold, hard numbers made its leadership far less concerned about the reliability of the countrys major overseas providers and so it did not need to duplicate the same sort of foreign policy entanglements that Washington had long been involved in. Now, so the Obama administration has concluded, the tables are beginning to turn. As a result of Chinas booming economy and the emergence of a sizeable and

growing middle class (many of whom have already bought their first cars), the countrys oil consumption is exploding. Running at about 7.8 million barrels per day in 2008, it will, according to recent projections by the U.S. Department of Energy, reach 13.6 million barrels in 2020, and 16.9 million in 2035. Domestic oil production, on the other hand, is expected to grow from 4.0 million barrels per day in 2008 to 5.3 million in 2035. Not surprisingly, then, Chinese imports are expected to skyrocket from 3.8 million barrels per day in 2008 to a projected 11.6 million in 2035 at which time they will exceed those of the United States. The U.S., meanwhile, can look forward to an improved energy situation. Thanks to increased production in tough oil areas of the United States, including the Arctic seas off Alaska, the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and shale formations in Montana, North Dakota, and Texas, future imports are expected to decline, even as energy consumption rises. In addition, more oil is likely to be available from the Western Hemisphere rather than the Middle East or Africa. Again, this will be thanks to the exploitation of yet more tough oil areas, including the Athabasca tar sands of Canada, Brazilian oil fields in the deep Atlantic, and increasingly pacified energy-rich regions of previously war-torn Colombia. According to the Department of Energy, combined production in the United States, Canada, and Brazil is expected to climb by 10.6 million barrels per day between 2009 and 2035 an enormous jump, considering that most areas of the world are expecting declining output. Whose Sea Lanes Are These Anyway? From a geopolitical perspective, all this seems to confer a genuine advantage on the United States, even as China becomes ever more vulnerable to the vagaries of events in, or along, the sea lanes to distant lands. It means Washington will be able to contemplate a gradual loosening of its military and political ties to the Middle Eastern oil states that have dominated its foreign policy for so long and have led to those costly, devastating wars. Indeed, as President Obama said in Canberra, the U.S. is now in a position to begin to refocus its military capabilities elsewhere. After a decade in which we fought two wars that cost us dearly, he declared, the United States is turning our attention to the vast potential of the Asia-Pacific region. For China, all this spells potential strategic impairment. Although some of Chinas imported oil will travel overland through pipelines from Kazakhstan and Russia, the great majority of it will still come by tanker from the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America over sea lanes policed by the U.S. Navy. Indeed, almost every tanker

bringing oil to China travels across the South China Sea, a body of water the Obama administration is now seeking to place under effective naval control. By securing naval dominance of the South China Sea and adjacent waters, the Obama administration evidently aims to acquire the twenty-first century energy equivalent of twentieth-century nuclear blackmail. Push us too far, the policy implies, and well bring your economy to its knees by blocking your flow of vital energy supplies. Of course, nothing like this will ever be said in public, but it is inconceivable that senior administration officials are not thinking along just these lines, and there is ample evidence that the Chinese are deeply worried about the risk as indicated, for example, by their frantic efforts to build staggeringly expensive pipelines across the entire expanse of Asia to the Caspian Sea basin. As the underlying nature of the new Obama strategic blueprint becomes clearer, there can be no question that the Chinese leadership will, in response, take steps to ensure the safety of Chinas energy lifelines. Some of these moves will undoubtedly be economic and diplomatic, including, for example, efforts to court regional players like Vietnam and Indonesia as well as major oil suppliers like Angola, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia. Make no mistake, however: others will be of a military nature. A significant buildup of the Chinese navy still small and backward when compared to the fleets of the United States and its principal allies would seem all but inevitable. Likewise, closer military ties between China and Russia, as well as with the Central Asian member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan), are assured. In addition, Washington could now be sparking the beginnings of a genuine Cold-War-style arms race in Asia, which neither country can, in the long run, afford. All of this is likely to lead to greater tension and a heightened risk of inadvertent escalation arising out of future incidents involving U.S., Chinese, and allied vessels like the one that occurred in March 2009 when a flotilla of Chinese naval vessels surrounded a U.S. anti-submarine warfare surveillance ship, the Impeccable, and almost precipitated a shooting incident. As more warships circulate through these waters in an increasingly provocative fashion, the risk that such an incident will result in something far more explosive can only grow. Nor will the potential risks and costs of such a militaryfirst policy aimed at China be restricted to Asia. In the drive to promote greater U.S. self-sufficiency in energy output, the Obama administration is giving its approval to production techniques Arctic drilling, deepoffshore drilling, and hydraulic fracturing that are

guaranteed to lead to further Deepwater Horizon-style environmental catastrophe at home. Greater reliance on Canadian tar sands, the dirtiest of energies, will result in increased greenhouse gas emissions and a multitude of other environmental hazards, while deep Atlantic oil production off the Brazilian coast and elsewhere has its own set of grim dangers. All of this ensures that, environmentally, militarily, and economically, we will find ourselves in a more, not less, perilous world. The desire to turn away from disastrous land wars in the Greater Middle East to deal with key issues now simmering in Asia is understandable, but choosing a strategy that puts such an emphasis on military dominance and provocation is bound to provoke a response in kind. It is hardly a prudent path to head down, nor will it, in the long run, advance Americas interests at a time when global economic cooperation is crucial. Sacrificing the environment to achieve greater energy independence makes no more sense. A new Cold War in Asia and a hemispheric energy policy that could endanger the planet: Its a fatal brew that should be reconsidered before the slide toward confrontation and environmental disaster becomes irreversible. You dont have to be a seer to know that this is not the definition of good statesmanship, but of the march of folly. Back to top