Latest news with #22ndShangri-LaDialogue
The Star
21-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
South Korea says defence spending against GDP already ‘very high'
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth (left) talks to Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore on May 31, 2025. - Photo: Yonhap SEOUL: South Korea's Defence Ministry on Friday (June 20) hinted at concerns over an announcement by the Donald Trump administration that its Asian allies are subject to the 'new standard' of spending 5 percent of gross domestic product on defence. South Korea's defence spending, which stands at some 51.2 trillion won ($37.5 billion) or 2.32 percent of its GDP, is already 'very high,' the ministry noted in a statement. "Among key US allies, South Korea is one of the countries that has an extremely high defence spending to GDP ratio," the ministry said in a statement. "We have continuously hiked our defence spending in consideration of our serious security situation involving North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.' South Korea will continue its efforts to maintain necessary capabilities and posture for the defence of the Korean Peninsula as well as regional peace and stability, the ministry said. Seoul's statement follows remarks made earlier this week by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, regarding a 'new standard' now in place for all US allies' defence spending, 'including in Asia.' Hegseth's remarks, made during a hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, are aligned with US President Donald Trump's call for NATO members to increase their defence spending to 5 percent of their GDP. This is more than double the 2 percent defence spending guideline agreed upon by the leaders of the trans-Atlantic alliance in 2014. Last month, Hegseth, during the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual defence forum held in Singapore, said that it 'doesn't make sense' for key US allies in Asia to 'spend less on defence' than countries in Europe, despite dealing with 'more formidable threats,' including North Korea provocations. Concerns are rising in South Korea over reports that Trump may shore up South Korea's defence spending while the US adjusts the role and reduces the size of the US Forces Korea. A May report by The Wall Street Journal claimed that the Trump administration is mulling the option of pulling some 4,500 personnel out of the 28,500-strong USFK and relocating them to other locations in the Indo-Pacific region. Last month, Hegseth directed Under Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby to draw up a US national defence strategy that focuses on burden sharing with allies as the nation navigates to deter threats from China. More than doubling defence spending would deal a heavy blow to South Korea, as it would cost Seoul over 100 trillion won to meet the 'new standards' suggested by the Trump administration. An expert pointed out that it would require the government to significantly reduce other budgets allocated to areas, including welfare, to uphold such a scenario. 'It won't be an easy process for Seoul as it would be required to cut back budgets set aside for other matters, including welfare, and funnel (the funds) into defence spending if the 5 percent of GDP rule is applied,' said Yang Uk, a research fellow at Asan Institute for Policy Studies. Observers say that if South Korean President Lee Jae Myung decides to participate in the upcoming NATO summit scheduled for June 24-25 in the Netherlands, an opportunity might arise to discuss the defence cost issue with Trump. However, the presidential office here has yet to confirm whether Lee will attend the summit, as of press time, but said the previous day that it is coordinating the details of a potential summit with Trump. First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo said in a Friday interview with Yonhap News TV that 'the current situation where the US has been requesting several countries to shore up their defence costs is true.' He vowed to review the matter in detail and continue 'close negotiations' with Washington. - The Korea Herald/ANN
Newsweek
04-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Steelers Respond After Players Join Trump at Rally: Live Updates
The Pittsburgh Steelers have responded to backlash from fans after several current and former players appeared alongside President Donald Trump at a Friday rally at the U.S. Steel plant in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. Quarterback Mason Rudolph, safety Miles Killebrew, and four-time Super Bowl champion Rocky Bleier joined Trump on stage and presented him with a custom No. 47 jersey, prompting a flurry of messages from fans who felt the appearance crossed a line. 08:25 AM EDT Full list of Navy ships that could be renamed by Pete Hegseth Main: Civil Service Mariners aboard Military Sealift Command's fleet replenishment oiler USNS Harvey Milk, Norfolk Virginia, Spetmeber 2024. Inset: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivers his speech during 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore, Saturday,... Main: Civil Service Mariners aboard Military Sealift Command's fleet replenishment oiler USNS Harvey Milk, Norfolk Virginia, Spetmeber 2024. Inset: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivers his speech during 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore, Saturday, May 31, 2025. More Main: LaShawn Sykes, Inset Anupam Nath/Main: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, Inset: AP Photo Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is looking to rename several Navy ships which honor civil rights leaders, according to documents obtained by CBS. These memos show Secretary Hegseth is changing the name of the USNS Harvey Milk at the beginning of Pride Month. The USNS Harvey Milk honors the memory of the gay rights campaigner who served in the Navy during the Korean War before being discharged for his sexuality. The USNS Harvey Milk is not the only ship that the Secretary wants to rename. He is also looking to change the names of several other ships named after civil rights campaigners and leaders. According to the memo this renaming is being done in "alignment with president" and "priorities of reestablishing the warrior culture." Chief Pentagon Spokesman, Sean Parnell, said in a statement to Newsweek: "Secretary Hegseth is committed to ensuring that the names attached to all DOD installations and assets are reflective of the Commander-in-Chief's priorities, our nation's history, and the warrior ethos." Read the full story by Sophie Clark on Newsweek.
Newsweek
04-06-2025
- General
- Newsweek
Full List of Navy Ships That Could Be Renamed By Pete Hegseth
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is looking to rename several Navy ships which honor civil rights leaders, according to documents obtained by CBS. These memos show Secretary Hegseth is changing the name of the USNS Harvey Milk at the beginning of Pride Month. The USNS Harvey Milk honors the memory of the gay rights campaigner who served in the Navy during the Korean War before being discharged for his sexuality. The USNS Harvey Milk is not the only ship that the Secretary wants to rename. He is also looking to change the names of several other ships named after civil rights campaigners and leaders. According to the memo this renaming is being done in "alignment with president" and "priorities of reestablishing the warrior culture." Chief Pentagon Spokesman, Sean Parnell, said in a statement to Newsweek: "Secretary Hegseth is committed to ensuring that the names attached to all DOD installations and assets are reflective of the Commander-in-Chief's priorities, our nation's history, and the warrior ethos." Main: Civil Service Mariners aboard Military Sealift Command's fleet replenishment oiler USNS Harvey Milk, Norfolk Virginia, September 2024. Inset: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivers his speech during 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore, Saturday,... Main: Civil Service Mariners aboard Military Sealift Command's fleet replenishment oiler USNS Harvey Milk, Norfolk Virginia, September 2024. Inset: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivers his speech during 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore, Saturday, May 31, 2025. More Main: LaShawn Sykes, Inset Anupam Nath/Main: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, Inset: AP Photo Why It Matters The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy which kept gay service members closeted was repealed in 2010 by President Barack Obama. The Trump administration is now reversing LGTBQ+ policy in the military by firing transgender troops and renaming a ship celebrating a gay leader. Critics argue that wiping the names of civil rights leaders from ships is disrespectful to them and redefines values America fights to protect. What To Know The USNS is a John Lewis-class oiler, meaning it is one of several ships named for civil rights campaigners. John Lewis was the racial justice campaigner who coined the term "good trouble." Other Ships up for Renaming USNS Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211) Description : Named in honor of Thurgood Marshall, the first African American U.S. Supreme Court Justice and a pioneering civil rights attorney. : Named in honor of Thurgood Marshall, the first African American U.S. Supreme Court Justice and a pioneering civil rights attorney. Military Service: Thurgood Marshall did not serve in the military. However, he played a significant role in advocating for the rights of African American service members, notably providing legal counsel during the Port Chicago mutiny trial, which highlighted racial discrimination in the military. USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE-14) Description : Named after Cesar Chavez, a labor leader and civil rights activist who cofounded the United Farm Workers union. : Named after Cesar Chavez, a labor leader and civil rights activist who cofounded the United Farm Workers union. Military Service: Cesar Chavez served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1948, shortly after World War II. He was stationed in the Western Pacific, including assignments in Saipan and Guam. USNS Medgar Evers (T-AKE-13) Description : Commemorates Medgar Evers, a civil rights activist and World War II veteran assassinated by a white supremacist in 1963. : Commemorates Medgar Evers, a civil rights activist and World War II veteran assassinated by a white supremacist in 1963. Military Service: Medgar Evers enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943 at age 17. He served in the European Theater during World War II. In the segregated 657th Port Company, he participated in the Red Ball Express, a logistics operation critical to the Allied advance at Normandy. USNS Harriet Tubman (T-AO 213) Description : Honors Harriet Tubman, an Underground Railroad conductor and Union spy during the Civil War. : Honors Harriet Tubman, an Underground Railroad conductor and Union spy during the Civil War. Military Service: During the Civil War, Harriet Tubman served as a nurse, scout, and spy for the Union Army. Notably, she led the Combahee River Raid in 1863, which resulted in the liberation of over 700 enslaved individuals. In 2024, she was posthumously awarded the rank of brigadier general in the Maryland National Guard. USNS Dolores Huerta (T-AO 214) Description : Named after Dolores Huerta, a labor leader and co-founder of the United Farm Workers alongside Chavez. : Named after Dolores Huerta, a labor leader and co-founder of the United Farm Workers alongside Chavez. Military Service: Dolores Huerta did not serve in the military. Her contributions are rooted in labor organizing and civil rights advocacy. USNS Lucy Stone (T-AO 209) Description : Commemorates Lucy Stone, a suffragist and abolitionist who was the first woman from Massachusetts to earn a college degree. : Commemorates Lucy Stone, a suffragist and abolitionist who was the first woman from Massachusetts to earn a college degree. Military Service: Lucy Stone did not have military service. She was a prominent advocate for women's rights and the abolition of slavery. USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg (T-AO 212) Description : Honors the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice known for her lifelong advocacy of gender equality and civil rights. : Honors the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice known for her lifelong advocacy of gender equality and civil rights. Military Service: Ruth Bader Ginsburg did not serve in the military. However, she significantly impacted military policies through her legal work, notably contributing to the end of the military's policy of discharging women for becoming pregnant. It is rare for a Navy ship to be renamed as the practice is considered to be taboo within the armed forces. However, two ships were renamed in 2023 as they had ties to the Confederacy. Unlike the ships that were named after people who tried to secede from the Union, these ships are being stripped of being named after people who strived to improve the rights of others within the US. This is one of several moves from Hegseth and the Trump administration to remove mention of civil rights leaders from the military. In early April, Hegseth purged 400 books from the Naval Academy library on race relations, gender, and sexuality. The Trump administration Defense Department has also banned affinity groups such as the Black Society for Engineers and the Native American Heritage Forum at military academies. What People Are Saying Chief Pentagon Spokesman, Sean Parnell, said in a statement to Newsweek: "Any potential renaming(s) will be announced after internal reviews are complete." Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi: "Our military is the most powerful in the world—but this spiteful move does not strengthen our national security or the "warrior" ethos. Instead, it is a surrender of a fundamental American value: to honor the legacy of those who worked to build a better country. "As the rest of us are celebrating the joy of Pride Month, it is my hope that the Navy will reconsider this egregious decision and continue to recognize the extraordinary contributions of Harvey Milk, a Veteran himself, and all Americans who forged historic progress for our nation." Senator Martin Heinrich on X (formerly Twitter): "Harvey Milk served his country honorably—first in uniform, then in public office. Taking his name off this Navy ship sends a clear message, and it's one of disrespect and cruelty." Harvey Milk served his country honorably — first in uniform, then in public office. Taking his name off this Navy ship sends a clear message, and it's one of disrespect and cruelty. — Martin Heinrich (@SenatorHeinrich) June 3, 2025 What Happens Next Pride Month will continue to be celebrated by LGBTQ+ people and allies across the world for the month of June.
Newsweek
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Ally Sends Strong Warning to China
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. China's efforts to expand its sphere of influence in its own region and beyond are part of its "political DNA" and a growing number of countries are coalescing against it, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro told Newsweek in an interview. Following a tense exchange with Chinese officials at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia's premier defense summit, Teodoro called Beijing "the cause of instability". Newsweek contacted the Chinese Foreign Ministry by email with a request for comment. Why It Matters Teodoro's comments reflect the toughening stance by the Philippines, a U.S. treaty ally, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. over China's claims in its exclusive economic zone. China claims up to 90 percent of the South China Sea as its territory, citing what it calls historical rights within its self-declared nine-dash line—a boundary that overlaps with the maritime claims of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and self-ruling Taiwan. Footage released by the Philippines has shown the Chinese coast guard using ramming maneuvers and water cannon attacks that Manila said left Philippine servicemen injured. A Hague-based arbitral tribunal dismissed China's dashed-line claims in a 2016 decision Beijing rejected as invalid. Gilberto Teodoro Jr, Secretary of National Defense of the Philippines, delivers his speech during the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore, Sunday, June 1, 2025. Gilberto Teodoro Jr, Secretary of National Defense of the Philippines, delivers his speech during the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore, Sunday, June 1, 2025. Anupam Nath/Associated Press What To Know Beijing's agenda is rooted in its leadership structure, Teodoro told Newsweek on Sunday. "That is to extend the sphere of influence of dynastic politics of whatever nature, and it is within their DNA to be that—their political DNA." "The impression of other countries is that of weariness, caution, and not comfort. Even those who engage with them fully do not fully trust China." Still, China remains a major trade partner for some 150 countries, according to Beijing's customs administration—and for most of Southeast Asia—a fact Teodoro acknowledged has likely muted some nations' responses. "But this has got to stop somewhere. And the countries that are standing up are coalescing against China," he said. "And if they [China] do not notice this [...] and spin the narrative as it being to contain their rightful place, then they're just fooling themselves." He expects "more of the same" from Beijing. The Philippines is therefore working to form an international coalition to increase deterrence, he added, likening this to erecting "a strong fence." China's actions in the South China Sea have also been met with strong protests from Washington and several Asian-Pacific and European nations. Adding to tensions are alleged espionage operations near military installations, mass cyberattack campaigns, and unsafe military encounters reported by U.S. allies in international waters. Deterrence of China would take two forms, Teodoro said: "building up capability resilience" and fostering "international resonance that will condemn their activities." During his remarks in a Shangri-La panel on Sunday, Teodoro was challenged by two senior Chinese colonels, who asked whether the Philippines would engage with China on friendly terms or choose to play the part of a U.S. proxy. Teodoro thanked the officials for "propaganda spiels disguised as questions," a barb that drew applause from attendees. He said the "deficit of trust" in China remains the largest obstacle to a solution in the South China Sea, adding that a nation that "represses its own people" is not to be trusted. What's Next A breakthrough in the South China Sea dispute remains unlikely, with both China and the Philippines firmly entrenched. The fact that the Philippines is a U.S. treaty ally makes it a potential flashpoint for global conflict at a time of tension between Washington and Beijing on numerous fronts.
Hans India
02-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Maldives to receive Guardian-class patrol boat from Australia
Australia will gift an Australian-built Guardian-class Patrol Boat to Maldives, country's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles and Maldives Minister of Defence, Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, announced in Male on Monday. In addition to the new vessel, Australia will also gift a multi-beam echo sounder to Maldives. The hydrographic equipment will support Maldives' capability to map its ocean floor, helping to ensure maritime safety and unlock economic development, said the Australian Defence Ministry. The Guardian-class Patrol Boat is under construction and due for completion in 2026. "This announcement is a key milestone in our bilateral relationship and a significant step towards enhancing Maldives' capability to protect its sovereign waters and contribute to maritime security in the Indian Ocean. The Guardian-class Patrol Boat will provide Maldives a more persistent presence in its vast exclusive economic zone to deter, detect and disrupt illegal maritime activities," read a statement issued by the Australian Defence Ministry. Working closely with Maldives, Australia will develop a maintenance and sustainment package to support the vessel. This initiative, Australia said, upholds its shared commitment to security, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). "Australia is proud to partner with Maldives to support its maritime security capability. In line with our National Defence Strategy, Australia is working with partners across the Northeast Indian Ocean to maintain regional security and stability. Australia is pleased to gift a Guardian-class Patrol Boat to Maldives and will continue to seek opportunities to deepen our long-standing defence partnership. As Indian Ocean countries, Australia and Maldives share a vision of our region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous," said Marles. After attending the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore from May 30-June 1, Marles is travelling to South and Southeast Asia from June 2-5 for high-level meetings. He will meet leaders and counterparts in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia to deepen diplomatic and defence partnerships in the Indo-Pacific. "The visit to India coincides with the fifth anniversary of Australia and India's Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which underpins our relationship and shared vision for the Indian Ocean," the Australian Defence Ministry stated.
