Weapons acquisitions in the region almost doubled from 2005 to 2009 compared with the five preceding years, according to data released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute this year.The nervousness over the rise of China would be happening no matter what, but the declining social mood complicates the situation.
"There is a threat perception among some of the countries in Southeast Asia," said Siemon Wezeman, senior fellow at the institute. "China is an issue there."
The buying spree is set to continue, with reports that Vietnam has agreed to pay $2.4 billion for six Russian Kilo-class submarines and a dozen Su-30MKK jet fighters equipped for maritime warfare. This is in addition to Australia's stated commitment to buy or build nine more submarines and bolster its air force with 100 U.S.-built F-35s. Malaysia has also paid more than $1 billion for two diesel submarines from France, and Indonesia has recently announced that it, too, will acquire new submarines.
王毅出访印柬巴三国 寻求突破美国“区域围堵”
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中国外长王毅计划于4月18日至23日,对印尼、柬埔寨及巴布亚新几内亚进行正式访问。中国外交部发言人林剑在宣布王 […]...
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