Journalist

AJP
  • Japan’s Self-Defense Forces Join U.S.-Philippines Balikatan Drills in First Combat Training Role
    Japan’s Self-Defense Forces Join U.S.-Philippines Balikatan Drills in First Combat Training Role Japan’s Self-Defense Forces are taking part in U.S.-Philippines joint exercises in a full operational role for the first time, a move aimed at tightening allied coordination as concerns grow about a potential “power vacuum” in Asia while the United States concentrates military resources on the Middle East, the Nikkei business daily reported. According to Nikkei on the 21st, the United States and the Philippines began the large-scale Balikatan exercises on the 20th. This year, Japan is joining with a substantial troop presence for the first time, following the entry into force of a Reciprocal Access Agreement between Japan and the Philippines in September last year that facilitates troop movement between the two countries. Nikkei said the drills go beyond routine military cooperation and reflect a response to shifts in U.S. strategy. It cited concerns that deterrence in the Indo-Pacific could weaken after the Donald Trump administration moved naval forces previously deployed in Asia to the Middle East to respond to Iran. With key assets such as U.S. Navy amphibious assault ships redeployed, regional governments have become more alert to a possible capability gap, and the Philippines is using joint exercises to help keep the United States engaged in the region, Nikkei said. A senior U.S. military official said at the opening ceremony that “no matter what happens in other parts of the world, America’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific will not waver.” Nikkei also pointed to the Philippines’ experience after the U.S. military withdrawal in 1992, saying China has expanded its influence in the South China Sea since then, shaping Manila’s current security approach. The Philippines has recently broadened security cooperation not only with the United States but also with Japan, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and France as it builds a wider network of partners. Cooperation with Japan has deepened quickly. Japan became the third country after Australia and the United Kingdom to sign a Reciprocal Access Agreement with the Philippines, effectively elevating ties to a “quasi-alliance,” Nikkei said. The two sides also signed an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement in January to provide mutual support such as fuel and ammunition. Nikkei said Japan’s role in Balikatan is also changing. The Self-Defense Forces had previously participated as observers, but this time about 1,400 personnel will take part in operational training including maritime drills and missile defense exercises. Near the South China Sea, they are also set to join live-fire training using Type 88 surface-to-ship missiles. Philippine armed forces chief of staff Romeo Brawner was quoted by Nikkei as saying it was meaningful to welcome Japanese combat units for the first time since the end of the war. Nikkei said the Philippines sees limits to acting alone given the military gap with China and is seeking deterrence through cooperation with partners including Japan. Japan, for its part, is expanding its defense role and increasing its presence in the Indo-Pacific. Nikkei added that uncertainty remains. The Philippines relies on the Middle East for a significant share of its energy imports, and a prolonged period of instability there could constrain military activity. Overall, Nikkei said the exercises illustrate a shifting Indo-Pacific security landscape, as allies and partners seek to sustain deterrence through cooperation while U.S. forces are spread across regions. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-21 17:59:33
  • Vietnam Streamlines Rail Approval Process to Speed Infrastructure Projects
    Vietnam Streamlines Rail Approval Process to Speed Infrastructure Projects Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction has abolished and adjusted some administrative procedures in the rail sector to speed up rail infrastructure development. Vietnam’s government website reported on Jan. 22 that the ministry eliminated several rail-related procedures effective Jan. 1. The changes follow Decision No. 2,267 (2,267/QD-BXD), announced by the ministry on Dec. 10. Under the decision, the ministry’s approval process for commercialization policy for rail line-connection projects was scrapped, along with the Vietnam Railway Authority’s procedure for issuing safety assessment certificates for urban rail systems. The decision also reorganized responsibilities among agencies. The Vietnam Register will issue safety and environmental compliance certificates for rail vehicles, while the Vietnam Railway Authority will oversee rail vehicle registration and issue operating permits. Permits related to rail connections and approvals to install or remove level crossings will be handled by the Vietnam Railway Authority or provincial and municipal people’s committees. Certification for specialized personnel, including rail inspectors, was newly assigned to the Vietnam Register. The Ministry of Construction will retain authority to approve plans for maintaining and managing rail facilities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-01-28 16:42:33
  • Hong Kong Signs Precious Metals Cooperation Deal With Shanghai Gold Exchange
    Hong Kong Signs Precious Metals Cooperation Deal With Shanghai Gold Exchange Hong Kong’s Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said Jan. 26 that it signed a cooperation agreement on precious metals trading with mainland China’s Shanghai Gold Exchange at the Asian Financial Forum being held in Hong Kong. The agreement includes setting up a new company, the Hong Kong Precious Metals Central Clearing System, fully funded by the Hong Kong government. The Hong Kong Precious Metals Central Clearing System will be chaired by Financial Services and the Treasury Secretary Christopher Hui, with a Shanghai Gold Exchange representative serving as vice chair. A Hong Kong central clearing system specializing in gold trading, managed by the company, is expected to begin a pilot run within the year. The agreement also includes support to expand gold storage capacity at the Airport Authority Hong Kong and financial institutions. The goal is to increase capacity to more than 2,000 tons within three years. Hui said the Hong Kong government plans to submit a bill in the first half of this year to include precious metals among eligible investments for tax incentives for “single family offices,” including those set up for funds or a single wealthy family.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-01-28 16:13:05