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Straits Times
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
China condemns British warship's ‘troublemaking' Taiwan Strait transit
Britain's Royal Navy said the patrol vessel HMS Spey conducted a routine navigation through the narrow waterway that was part of a long-planned deployment. PHOTO: UK MINISTRY OF DEFENCE BEIJING - China's military on June 20 condemned the sailing of a British warship through the Taiwan Strait as a deliberate attempt to "cause trouble", saying it undermined peace and stability in the region. Britain's Royal Navy said the patrol vessel HMS Spey conducted a routine navigation through the narrow waterway that was part of a long-planned deployment and took place in full compliance with international law. China, which views Taiwan as its own territory, considers the strait to be Chinese waters. Taiwan, the United States and many of its allies say it is an international waterway. The Eastern Theatre Command of China's People's Liberation Army said the June 18 sailing of the ship was "public hyping" and that its forces followed and monitored the Spey. "The British side's remarks distort legal principles and mislead the public; its actions deliberately cause trouble and disrupt things, undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," it said in a statement. "Troops in the theatre are on high alert at all times and will resolutely counter all threats and provocations." Taiwan's government welcomed the sailing. "The foreign ministry welcomes and affirms the British side once again taking concrete actions to defend the freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait, demonstrating its firm position that the Taiwan Strait is international waters," the ministry said in a statement. The last time a British warship sailed through the strait was in 2021, when HMS Richmond was deployed in the East China Sea en route to Vietnam. Chinese military followed it at the time and warned it away. The latest passage comes at a time when Britain and China are seeking to mend their relations, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer expected to visit Beijing later in 2025 - the first trip to the country by a British leader since 2018. US Navy ships sail through the strait around once every two months, sometimes accompanied by allied nations. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
16-05-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Singapore, Indonesia air forces mark 45 years of defence ties with Exercise Elang Indopura
RSAF and TNI AU F-16 aircraft conducting air-to-air refuelling with RSAF's A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport during Exercise Elang Indopura. PHOTO: MINISTRY OF DEFENCE SINGAPORE – The air forces of Singapore and Indonesia are marking 45 years of defence relations with a joint exercise in Indonesia starting this week that involves more than 100 personnel. The biennial Exercise Elang Indopura is taking place from May 13 to 26 at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base, Pekanbaru, conducted by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU). More than 100 personnel from both sides, as well as four RSAF F-16C/D, one RSAF A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) and two TNI AU F-16 aircraft, are participating in the two-week event, Mindef said in a statement on May 16. As part of the exercise, the F-16 fighter jets from both air forces conducted air-to-air refuelling with the A330 MRTT, and joint air-to-ground training at the Siabu Air Weapons Range in Indonesia. RSAF's exercise director, Colonel Jonavan Ang, said: 'The training exercise brings our aircrew and ground crew together to develop operational competencies, as well as strengthen the camaraderie amongst our people. It is an invaluable experience for all the participants, and I look forward to many such opportunities to deepen our bilateral cooperation.' Exercise Elang Indopura , which was inaugurated in 1980 , serves as an important platform to enhance the professionalism, cooperation and mutual trust between the two air forces, said Mindef. Aside from the training exercises, the RSAF and TNI AU also engage regularly in activities like cross-attendance of courses, professional exchanges and reciprocal visits. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
