Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia’s First Submarine Forces: The Royal Thai Navy and The Indonesian Navy Submarine Force

The two oldest undersea forces established on 04-September-1937 and 12-September-1959 have the distinction of having the first Submarine Forces in the Southeast Asian region. These are the Royal Thai Navy and the Indonesian Navy Force. The Royal Thai Navy acquired its first Submarines through bidding which was won by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan for a price 75,000 Pounds for…


The Conflict in Korea – Rivalry of the Big Powers

“An enemy of my enemy is a friend.” –An Arab Saying “There are no eternal friends, nor permanent enemies, only eternal and permanent interests.” –Lord Palmerston Last September 2017, two heads of states — President of the United States Donald Trump and President of North Korea Kim Jong-un hurled invectives at each other and issued statements threatening to launch an…


Perspectives on Naval Cooperation in Southeast Asia

The Southeast Asian region is situated in a unique strategic environment that is shaped by the Pacific maritime domain. It is home to maritime nations sitting astride vital sea lines of communication and trade in the Asia-Pacific, with vast water resources and minerals, and oil and gas reserves. Shipping traffic through Southeast Asia is several times greater than the traffic…


Southeast Asia Transshipment Hubs to Compete Fiercely in 2017

Southeast Asia’s port scene is incredibly dynamic, and 2017 will be a year of significant changes with big implications for shippers as structural adjustments in the liner shipping sector and the region’s economic make-up continue. The changing market could result in lower terminal handling charges for shippers as container terminals in the region fight to undercut each other on pricing…