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U.S. Begins Building Submarine Presence in Strategic Western Australia Under AUKUS

The United States has initiated a significant buildup of its submarine capabilities on Australia’s strategically crucial western coast under the AUKUS defense partnership. This shift was underscored by the recent training deployment of the USS Minnesota, a Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, operating off Western Australia after relocating its home port from Hawaii to the forward-deployed U.S. base in Guam. By mid-year, HMAS Stirling naval base, which is currently undergoing a major A$8 billion (US$5 billion) infrastructure upgrade, will welcome an initial contingent of 50-80 U.S. Navy personnel, a number expected to rise to hundreds within two years as the “Submarine Rotational Force West” is established by 2027.

This strategic move aims to bolster Indo-Pacific defense capabilities, particularly as China’s increasing naval operations—including recent unprecedented live-fire drills and naval circumnavigation around Australia—underscore the region’s growing geopolitical volatility. The Trump administration, recognizing the critical role these submarines play in deterring regional threats and safeguarding Taiwan, has prioritized funding for the Virginia-class program despite broader Pentagon budget reductions. Concurrently, Australia is actively preparing its future fleet under AUKUS, with around 245 Australian personnel currently embedded in specialized U.S. nuclear submarine training programs, as Canberra readies itself to acquire two Virginia-class submarines in the next decade and eventually build its own nuclear-powered fleet jointly with Britain.

Modi’s Positive Remarks Signal Pragmatic Shift in China-India Relations

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation with China, signaling a pragmatic shift toward improving bilateral ties after several years of border tensions. In a high-profile podcast interview, Modi advocated for a relationship defined by “healthy and natural competition” rather than confrontation, highlighting centuries of mutual cultural exchange and shared contributions to global civilization. Modi underscored the inevitability of differences between neighboring nations but stressed the priority of preventing disputes, reflecting India’s cautious yet constructive approach to its complex relationship with China.

In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning welcomed Modi’s statements, noting their alignment with the positive momentum initiated during the Xi-Modi meeting in Kazan last October. Mao emphasized that, as the world’s two largest developing countries, cooperation is mutually beneficial and essential for global stability and prosperity, characterizing their partnership as a “cooperative pas de deux of the dragon and the elephant.” While experts acknowledge that resolving border disputes remains a lengthy process requiring sustained diplomacy, recent engagements—such as December’s successful border consultation meeting—suggest steady progress toward stabilizing the relationship, with both sides committed to managing competition responsibly.

New Zealand and India Launch Comprehensive Free Trade Negotiations

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of negotiations for a Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, marking a significant milestone in bilateral economic relations. Luxon described the agreement as an “economic breakthrough,” highlighting the mutual benefits expected from deeper trade ties, though he acknowledged challenges—particularly regarding dairy exports. Trade Minister Todd McClay emphasized the breadth of these negotiations, stating that the proposed agreement would go beyond commerce, encompassing political, defense, environmental, and cultural connections, thereby establishing a more holistic partnership between the two countries.

The initiation of these negotiations comes during Luxon’s historic visit to India, the first by a New Zealand Prime Minister in nearly a decade, accompanied by the largest-ever delegation of New Zealand business and community leaders. As part of efforts to strengthen broader ties, discussions are underway regarding the establishment of direct flights between Auckland and India, a step aimed at significantly boosting tourism, business links, and people-to-people interactions. Nevertheless, alongside economic aspirations, Modi raised concerns during bilateral discussions about pro-Khalistani activities in New Zealand, seeking cooperation in addressing security threats and emphasizing joint commitment to combating terrorism and illegal migration.

Vietnam Formally Registers Tonkin Gulf Maritime Boundaries with UN Under UNCLOS

Vietnam has formally registered its maritime boundaries in the Tonkin Gulf with the United Nations, submitting detailed nautical charts and geographic coordinates that outline its territorial sea baselines in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The UN Secretary-General confirmed receipt of Vietnam’s submission, which provides official documentation of straight baselines for Vietnam’s mainland territory and clearly defines the outer limits of its territorial waters within the strategically significant Tonkin Gulf region.

The submission, officially published by the UN on March 14, reinforces Vietnam’s maritime claims under international law and will be included in a forthcoming edition of the UN’s authoritative “Law of the Sea Bulletin.” By registering these boundaries, Vietnam not only solidifies its territorial claims but also aims to enhance maritime security and clarify jurisdictional rights amid ongoing regional tensions. This move is consistent with Hanoi’s broader diplomatic strategy of utilizing international legal frameworks to assert its sovereignty and promote stability in disputed waters.

Japan, South Korea, and China Reignite Trilateral Diplomacy Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions

The foreign ministers of Japan, South Korea, and China convened in Tokyo on March 22 for their first trilateral meeting since 2023, signaling a cautious effort to reinvigorate regional diplomacy amid escalating global instability. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, South Korea’s Cho Tae-yul, and China’s Wang Yi agreed on the importance of “future-oriented cooperation” and reaffirmed their shared responsibility in maintaining peace on the Korean Peninsula. The meeting addressed a broad spectrum of issues, from regional security and climate change to aging populations and free trade. Notably, the ministers also pledged to accelerate preparations for a long-delayed trilateral leaders’ summit later this year.

Despite symbolic consensus, deep divisions remained evident. While Beijing pushed to resume free trade talks and expand the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, Tokyo and Seoul raised concerns over China’s support for North Korea, military maneuvers near Taiwan, and alignment with Russia in the war in Ukraine. South Korea urged Beijing to play a constructive role in persuading Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear program and halt military cooperation with Moscow. On the sidelines, Japan and China held their first high-level economic dialogue in six years, where Tokyo pressed for the lifting of Chinese restrictions on Japanese seafood and agricultural exports. While historical grievances and strategic rivalries persist, the meeting underscored a pragmatic recognition that regional dialogue is essential at a time many describe as a “turning point in history.”

India Hosts 10th Raisina Dialogue; Modi and Luxon Highlight Strategic Cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, held from March 17 to 19. The keynote address was delivered by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who is visiting India with the largest-ever business and community delegation accompanying a New Zealand leader. The forum, co-hosted by India’s Ministry of External Affairs and the Observer Research Foundation, convened over 3,700 participants and 800 speakers from more than 130 countries under the theme “Kalachakra: People, Peace, Planet.” Alongside Luxon’s keynote, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a series of bilateral meetings with counterparts from Europe, Latin America, and the Caucasus, securing agreements on trade, education, agriculture, and health, and reinforcing India’s growing diplomatic momentum.

Prominent U.S. voices also featured at the dialogue, including Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, who spoke on maritime security and regional defense cooperation amid deepening U.S.-India ties. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard delivered a widely noted address, invoking themes of mutual respect and spiritual unity while underscoring U.S. President Trump’s foreign policy vision centered on peace through strength. Gabbard emphasized the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific, warning of growing global instability and calling for practical, multilateral efforts to advance peace, prosperity, and freedom. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, meanwhile, reiterated Kyiv’s openness to a diplomatic resolution with Russia, stressing that sovereignty remains non-negotiable. Together, the sessions reflected India’s central role as a convener of global dialogue and strategic cooperation amid an increasingly fragmented international order.

China Conducts Large-Scale Military Drills Near Taiwan in Warning Against “Separatism”

China launched extensive military exercises near Taiwan on March 17, describing the maneuvers as a punitive response to what it called President Lai Ching-te’s continued promotion of separatism. According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense, 54 Chinese aircraft—including J-10 fighter jets and drones—conducted joint combat readiness patrols across multiple directions surrounding the island, with 42 planes crossing the Taiwan Strait median line, a traditional unofficial buffer zone. The show of force marks one of the largest single-day air incursions in recent months and underscores Beijing’s strategy of normalizing frequent military pressure on the island amid rising cross-strait tensions.

In a strongly worded statement, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office warned that the Lai administration’s actions could lead to “self-destruction” if it continues to “provoke and play with fire.” Taiwan responded by condemning Beijing’s destabilizing behavior, with the Mainland Affairs Council labeling the Chinese Communist Party a “troublemaker” threatening regional peace and security. Taipei also called on the international community to resist China’s growing military assertiveness. While President Lai has repeatedly offered dialogue with Beijing, those overtures have been met with silence, as China maintains its claim over Taiwan and refuses to engage with what it views as a pro-independence government.

U.S. Intelligence Chief Gabbard Reinforces Strategic Ties with India Amid Global Realignment

During a high-profile visit to New Delhi, U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard emphasized the deepening strategic partnership between the United States and India, highlighting shared commitments to peace, security, and economic cooperation. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, Gabbard underscored that President Trump’s “America First” doctrine does not equate to isolationism, stating that building alliances—particularly with like-minded countries like India—is essential in navigating today’s volatile global order. Gabbard’s visit, the first by a senior official of Trump’s second administration, signals a renewed focus on India as Washington reassesses traditional alliances in light of escalating tensions with China and growing uncertainty over U.S. commitments in Europe and East Asia.

Gabbard held wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, focusing on maritime and cyber security, counterterrorism, and Indo-Pacific defense cooperation. Modi welcomed the ongoing momentum in bilateral relations, noting Trump is expected to visit India later this year, and even joined Trump’s Truth Social platform in a symbolic gesture. While concerns persist over potential U.S. tariffs on Indian exports, Gabbard confirmed direct top-level dialogue on the issue is underway. Analysts view India as an increasingly central partner in U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy, particularly as the Trump administration leans toward flexible coalitions like the Quad over traditional alliances. Amid shifting global alliances and rising geopolitical risks, Gabbard’s visit underscores India’s elevated status in U.S. strategic calculus.

India Hosts Quad Workshop on Pandemic Preparedness for Indo-Pacific Region

India, under its current presidency of the Quad, hosted the “Quad Workshop on Pandemic Preparedness for the Indo-Pacific Region” from March 17–19 in New Delhi. The event, a key deliverable from the 6th Quad Leaders’ Summit held in September 2024, aims to enhance regional health security through multilateral cooperation on governance, disease surveillance, and public health innovation. Senior health officials and experts from Quad nations—India, the United States, Japan, and Australia—are joined by over 25 delegates from 15 Indo-Pacific countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Kenya, as well as representatives from international health organizations.

Panel discussions are focused on strengthening global health frameworks, enhancing resilience, and advancing the One Health approach to manage pandemic threats at the human-animal-environment interface. The workshop features simulation exercises on pandemic scenarios, designed to improve emergency preparedness and cross-border coordination. The workshop reflects the Quad’s growing emphasis on non-traditional security cooperation and India’s leadership in promoting a more robust, coordinated pandemic response architecture across the Indo-Pacific.

North Korea Warns Japan Over Planned Long-Range Missile Deployment in Kyushu

North Korea has issued a sharp warning to Japan over Tokyo’s reported plans to deploy long-range missiles in the Kyushu region by March 2026, claiming the move would trigger “constant escalation of tension” in Northeast Asia. According to a statement published by state media outlet KCNA, Pyongyang views Japan’s pursuit of counterstrike capabilities—reported by Kyodo News—as a revival of militarist aggression and a direct threat to the Korean Peninsula. The statement, attributed to a policy official from the Institute for Japan Studies under North Korea’s Foreign Ministry, declared that all military measures aimed at the DPRK would be treated as hostile and subject to preemptive counteraction.

The warning comes amid heightened regional tensions fueled by deepening trilateral defense cooperation between the United States, Japan, and South Korea. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently denounced the alliance, promising retaliatory steps, including further expansion of the country’s nuclear arsenal. Pyongyang’s latest rhetoric reflects growing unease over Japan’s evolving security doctrine, which now increasingly emphasizes deterrence and first-strike capability in response to rising threats from China and North Korea. As Northeast Asia becomes more militarized, North Korea’s reaction signals the likelihood of continued provocations and an accelerating arms race in the region.

India Eyed for Potential Inclusion in Emerging ‘Squad’ Military Grouping in South China Sea

India may soon be invited to join a new informal security coalition, dubbed the “Squad,” focused on maritime deterrence and defense cooperation in the South China Sea. The existing members—Japan, Australia, the United States, and the Philippines—have been conducting joint maritime activities for over a year in response to China’s assertive behavior in the contested region. The possibility of India and South Korea joining was raised by General Romeo Brawner, Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during a panel at the Raisina Dialogue, where he emphasized the need for enhanced regional collaboration to counter Beijing’s expansive maritime claims.

The South China Sea, a critical maritime trade corridor with over $3 trillion in annual traffic, remains a flashpoint amid escalating tensions between China and its Southeast Asian neighbors. General Brawner noted growing military and intelligence cooperation within the ‘Squad’ and underscored shared strategic concerns with India, referring to China as a “common enemy.” While the proposal to include India was floated during bilateral engagements at the summit, Indian defense officials have yet to confirm formal discussions on the matter. Nonetheless, the development reflects India’s deepening strategic role in the Indo-Pacific, as regional actors look to strengthen a collective front in upholding international maritime law and a rules-based order.

Japan to Make First Port Call at Chinese-Funded Cambodian Naval Base Amid Geostrategic Scrutiny

Japan is set to become the first foreign navy to visit Cambodia’s newly modernized Ream Naval Base, a facility extensively renovated with Chinese funding. The visit, scheduled shortly after the base’s inauguration in early April, is being framed by Cambodian officials as a demonstration of openness and strategic neutrality. Cambodian military chief Gen. Vong Pisen announced that the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) would be granted priority access as a reflection of deepening ties and mutual trust between Phnom Penh and Tokyo. While the Cambodian government insists that the base will remain open to vessels from all countries, the development is widely seen as an effort to counter Western suspicions that Ream may become a de facto Chinese military outpost.

Located near the strategic Gulf of Thailand, Ream Naval Base has drawn intense scrutiny from the United States and its allies since reports in 2019 alleged a secret agreement granting China exclusive military access. Despite repeated denials from both Phnom Penh and Beijing, the presence of Chinese warships and plans for a Cambodia-China joint logistics hub have fueled concerns about long-term Chinese military entrenchment. The decision to host a Japanese vessel at Ream follows a broader effort by Cambodia to rebalance its foreign policy—reflected in recent outreach to Washington, including the potential resumption of U.S.-Cambodia military exercises and last year’s visit of a U.S. Navy ship to Sihanoukville. Nonetheless, with China underwriting much of Ream’s development, the symbolic gestures of openness may do little to dispel apprehensions about Beijing’s strategic footprint on Cambodia’s coast.

Russia and North Korea Deepen Security Ties Amid Ongoing Ukraine War

In a rare high-level meeting, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine and broader geopolitical coordination between Moscow and Pyongyang. The visit comes amid mounting international concern over reports that North Korea has deployed more than 10,000 troops to support Russian operations in Ukraine’s eastern Kursk region and supplied heavy weapons, including artillery and ballistic missiles. While previously denied, both nations have softened their denials in recent months, with Russian President Vladimir Putin notably declining to dispute the deployment. During the two-hour meeting, Shoigu conveyed a message from Putin and reaffirmed the strategic importance of the Russia–North Korea mutual defense treaty signed last year.

According to North Korean state media, Kim Jong Un offered his “unwavering” support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, vowing to uphold agreements from recent bilateral summits and expressing solidarity with Moscow’s position on global security. The two sides also reportedly discussed U.S.-Russia dialogue and regional security dynamics on the Korean Peninsula. Although no new agreements were publicly announced, Shoigu’s visit underscores the growing strategic alignment between the two isolated regimes. In exchange for its support, North Korea is believed to have received advanced military technology, civilian infrastructure aid, and economic assistance from Moscow—raising alarm in Seoul, Washington, and Kyiv over the militarization of Russia–North Korea ties.

Rubio Affirms Trump’s Continued Commitment to Taiwan’s Status Quo Amid Rising Pressure from Beijing

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed President Donald Trump’s position on Taiwan, stating that the administration remains firmly opposed to any attempt by China to alter the status quo through force or coercion. Speaking on the Hugh Hewitt Show, Rubio emphasized that Washington’s long-standing policy remains unchanged and that Trump’s decisions on Taiwan are deliberate and resolute. Rubio highlighted the significance of Trump’s recent meeting with TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei at the White House, framing it as a clear signal of U.S. support for Taiwan’s economic and strategic role. While asserting that deterrence remains a viable strategy, Rubio acknowledged the complexity of the situation, particularly given Chinese President Xi Jinping’s ambition to make Taiwan’s annexation a defining achievement of his leadership.

In a broader statement, the U.S. Department of State condemned Beijing’s global intimidation campaign targeting Taiwan and its supporters, including recent legal actions under China’s controversial Anti-Secession Law. U.S. officials criticized these efforts as draconian and destabilizing, warning that they threaten free speech and undermine the decades-old cross-strait equilibrium. The State Department also raised concerns over South Africa’s downgrading of Taiwan’s diplomatic office, calling it a result of Chinese pressure. Reaffirming its commitment to Taiwan’s security and international engagement, Washington urged the global community to strengthen ties with Taipei, describing it as a democratic and reliable partner facing an increasingly aggressive Chinese campaign of isolation and coercion.

India and France Conduct 23rd Edition of Varuna Naval Exercise

India and France are conducting the 23rd edition of their flagship bilateral naval exercise, Varuna, from March 19 to 22, underscoring their growing maritime cooperation and shared commitment to a free and secure Indo-Pacific. Initiated in 2001, Varuna has become a cornerstone of naval interoperability between the two nations. This year’s exercise features joint operations involving aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and FS Charles de Gaulle, accompanied by fighter aircraft, destroyers, frigates, and an Indian Scorpene-class submarine, highlighting the depth of strategic collaboration between the Indian and French navies.

Varuna 2025 includes complex multi-domain drills across surface, sub-surface, and aerial theaters. Key highlights include advanced air defense and anti-submarine warfare exercises, as well as mock air-to-air combat between India’s MiG-29K and France’s Rafale-M fighter jets. Replenishment-at-sea operations and maritime patrol sorties are also being conducted to enhance logistical coordination and situational awareness. The exercise reflects both countries’ strategic convergence in the maritime domain and reaffirms their readiness to operate jointly in high-threat, high-complexity environments—advancing a shared vision of maritime peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.