April 8, 2024 |
SOUTHEAST ASIA ROUNDUP

 

By API Desk | Date 04-08-2024

Anti-Coup forces stage massive drone attack at Myanmar’s capital

Myanmar’s rebel forces have staged a massive drone attack on the heavily guarded capital in Nay Pyi Taw, shooting down seven of 29 bomb-laden drones. 

The drone attack, which targeted an airbase, an army headquarters, and the capital’s airport, did not cause any casualties. The junta claimed the drones were sent by the political opposition linked to Aung San Suu Kyi. 

This attack is the latest move by the opposition, following the attack of anti-coup forces on military outposts along the border Myanmar shares with India and China. The opposition group claimed that over 60% of Myanmar is now under the control of resistance forces.

Myanmar’s ongoing civil war, which began with a military coup d’état in 2021, has displaced millions and claimed thousands of lives. 

Indonesia to acquire French submarines

Indonesia is purchasing two French Scorpène Evolved full lithium-ion battery (LiB) submarines, one of the most modern submarines, to strengthen its capability to deter foreign intrusion into its waters. 

Admiral Muhammad Ali said they had met with the  French Naval Group and made sure that the submarine is in line with their needs. The submarines are planned to be locally built at PT PAL Indonesia shipyard in Srabaya, East Java. 

The Naval Group agreed to help PT PAL in the production as part form of technology transofer. Aside from the submarines, the package also includes simulators for training, materials for three missions or one year, and integrated logistics support. 

The Scorpène will be the latest addition to the Indonesian Navy’s four submarines as the Nacy is planning to have 12 submarines in its 2025-2045 plans.

Vietnam says Cambodia canal project raises security threat

Vietnam has raised security concerns over Cambodia’s 180-kilometer, $1.7 billion Funan Techo navigation canal project which will link its coast to Phnom Penh. 

Vietnam’s state-backed research institute warned that the project could be used to aid Chinese military presence as the Chinese state-owned China Road and Bridge Corporation will be building the canal under a build-operate-transfer agreement.

The project is slated to start this year and is set to be completed by 2028. China Road and Bridge Corporation will operate it for 50 years in exchange for funding the project. 

Cambodia said the canal, which will bypass import and export transits through Vietnamese ports, will create 1.6 million jobs. Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base is also undergoing Chinese-funded upgrades, but denied claims of granting Chinese navy access to the base.