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Evolving situation in Syria as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham seized control of Aleppo, the country's second largest city| Source: X/ @Al_Stoyanov
In Focus
Japan Competes for Australia’s Frigate Deal
The Japanese government has confirmed its bid for a USD 6.5 billion contract to jointly develop Australia’s new general-purpose frigates. The Australian government is deciding between Japan’s upgraded Mogami-class frigate, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and Germany’s MEKO A-200 frigate, designed by Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, to replace its ageing fleet with 11 new ships. This upgrade aims to address “strategic circumstances” – a nod to check China's growing influence.
If Japan secures the deal, it will mark the first-ever transfer of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships to another country. Experts suggest that choosing Germany’s design—familiar and more compatible with existing systems—would be a low-risk option for the Royal Australian Navy. However, selecting Japan’s frigates could signal a strategic decision, aimed at further deepening Canberra’s ties with Tokyo. These ties have grown significantly in recent years, driven by shared interest in countering the Chinese threat in the Indo-Pacific. This year has seen a marked growth in Japan's defense ties with Australia and the US. Earlier this year, Japan was also welcomed as an AUKUS partner. India views these efforts as complementary to the Quad’s role in the region. New Delhi appears to prefer the Quad to maintain a less overtly militaristic role, leaving AUKUS and similar partnerships to address military dimensions.
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Mekong Cybercrime: Chinese Nationals Repatriated from Cambodia
China has repatriated 240 Chinese nationals arrested in Cambodia for involvement in gambling and fraud, marking the latest step in Beijing’s crackdown on organized crime in Southeast Asia. Earlier in April, 680 Chinese suspects were similarly repatriated from Cambodia. The Mekong River region has become a hotbed for transnational illicit activities, predominantly orchestrated by ethnic Chinese criminal gangs, particularly in Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar. In fact, countering cybercrime targeting Chinese citizens has played a role in guiding China’s approach to Myanmar, wherein Beijing had earlier lent support to ethnic-armed organisations to clamp down on cybercrime sweatshops operating in the North of the country, and has now been moving closer to the military junta, believing that the Tatmadaw “can hold the country together.” Just last month, China and Myanmar dismantled large telecom fraud centers in northern Myanmar, with over 53,000 Chinese nationals arrested since a campaign to combat such fraud began last year.
No Cause for Alarm: India & Trump’s Tariff Threat to BRICS
President-elect Trump has threatened to impose a 100% tariff on BRICS countries if they pursue plans to develop a common currency to challenge the US dollar’s dominance. However, this has not caused alarm in New Delhi. India has consistently advocated for trading in local currencies to improve liquidity and efficiency, but it has stressed that “unlike others” (a reference to China and Russia), it does not harbor “malicious intent towards the US dollar.” Moreover, India has dismissed the idea of a BRICS currency, citing difficulty in arriving at “enormous alignment” over fundamentals such as “monetary, fiscal, economic, and political policies.”
Global Conflicts Lead to Record Arms Sales, Indian Manufacturers See Revenue Growth
Revenues from 100 largest arms companies reached USD 632 billion in 2023, reflecting a 4.2% real-terms increase from 2022, according to new data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Smaller producers were particularly adept at meeting rising demand, driven by the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, escalating tensions in East Asia, and rearmament efforts worldwide. Indian arms producers also saw notable gains. The combined revenues of the three Indian companies in SIPRI’s Top 100 reached USD 6.7 billion, marking a 5.8% increase. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, India’s largest arms producer, recorded USD 3.7 billion in revenue—up by 6.9% from the previous year. This growth aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in defense production, particularly in the development of light combat aircraft and helicopters.
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