A Chinese defence official accused the United States on Saturday of seeking to build an Asia-Pacific version of NATO to maintain its hegemony in the region.

Lieutenant General Jing Jianfeng made the remarks on the sidelines of a major security forum in Singapore where US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin earlier hailed a "new era of security" for the region.

(More to follow)

A Chinese defence official accused the United States on Saturday of seeking to build an Asia-Pacific version of NATO to maintain its hegemony in the region. Lieutenant General Jing Jianfeng made the remarks on the sidelines of a major security forum in Singapore where US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin earlier hailed a "new era of security" for the region.

A Chinese defence official accused the United States on Saturday of seeking to build an Asia-Pacific version of NATO to maintain its hegemony in the region. Lieutenant General Jing Jianfeng made the remarks on the sidelines of a major security forum in Singapore where US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin earlier hailed a "new era of security" for the region. (More to follow)

US seeks to build Asia-Pacific version of NATO to maintain hegemony: China defence official

Front-line states of NATO are already getting ready for the next conflict with Moscow.

The military ministers of Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia approved a new plan in January to construct a vast network of fortifications with the goal of preventing and defeating the kind of Russian attack that has long been feared in northeastern Europe.

With 210 miles of border with Russia, most of which is thought to be nearly inaccessible due to dense forests and wetlands, Estonian officials stated their government is building over 600 bunkers in the hopes of averting a hypothetical Moscow invasion and takeover.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-chief-urges-member-nations-to-ramp-up-ammunition-production-for-ukraine-562030" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-chief-urges-member-nations-to-ramp-up-ammunition-production-for-ukraine-562030&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwivhei6pqGEAxW4avUHHffwBs4QFnoECAUQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2OeeKdGMv4s9VRBLb75XDZ" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-chief-urges-member-nations-to-ramp-up-ammunition-production-for-ukraine-562030" target="_blank">NATO&nbsp;chief urges member nations to ramp up ammunition</a>

"Regaining territory that has already been gained is very difficult and comes at significant cost of human life, time, and material resources," stated Susan Lilleväli, undersecretary for defence preparation at the Estonian Ministry of Defence. "The war in Ukraine has demonstrated this." During a press event on Thursday, she discussed the 60 million euro ($64.7 million) project.

Lilleväli stated, "We need physical installations in addition to weaponry, ammunition, and troops to protect our countries efficiently."

Baltic military and civilian authorities have bitterly denounced their role as a trip wire for NATO. The alliance underwent a strategic shift in response to Russia's disastrous invasion and occupation of large areas of Ukraine in 2022, as the Baltic states witnessed the atrocities committed against Ukrainians in Mariupol, the suburbs of Kyiv, and other places.

According to the NATO tripwire plan, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas declared in 2022 that Russian forces would "wipe&nbsp;from the map" her country.

"With the purpose of defending every inch of allied land at all times," Lilleväli told reporters on Thursday, the new defensive line in the Baltic is in keeping with NATO's modified "forward defence posture and deterrence by denial" policy.

"The primary objective of these installations is to prevent military conflict in our region by altering the enemy's calculation," stated Lilleväli. "As the battle in Ukraine has shown, counter-mobility and fortification tactics are absolutely viable even in this century, and have played a big part in wars in our region in history, for example in Finland."

"In the event of military incursions, the installations should impede the enemy's march already at our borders and deny them the opportunity to move fast in the territory of the Baltic countries," she stated.

In order to "avoid leaving any loopholes, as the security situation in our region does not show any signs of improving at this point," Lilleväli stated that coordination with Lithuania and Latvia is necessary.

Planners in Lithuania will pay close attention to the Suwałki Gap. This narrow stretch of territory separates Belarus from the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, which if occupied would cut off the Baltic republics from Poland and the other western European allies.

The boundaries of Narva in the north and Võru in the south will be the focal points of Estonia's defenses.

The Estonians have a strong defensive barrier thanks to Lake Peipus, which makes up a large portion of their border with Russia. According to Lilleväli, the main goal is to make sure that everyone is prepared "to combat the enemy from the first meter and first hour."

In Ukraine, Russia's ground soldiers have suffered severe mauling. According to European sources who previously spoke with Newsweek, the forces tasked with spearheading any potential invasion of the Baltic republics are among those who have sustained significant casualties—up to 40 per cent in some circumstances.

The Russian military is more seasoned despite being degraded. NATO officials have frequently stated that Moscow continues to represent a serious threat and will require some time to reassemble.

Thus far, 600 bunkers have been planned by Estonian officials. These will be supplied by adjacent munitions and equipment stockpiles. Mock-ups provided to Newsweek show that the majority will be cuboid concrete "cellars" buried in the ground with a firing trench that is partially concealed and runs perpendicular to the entrance.

Testing is scheduled to begin later this year, and prototypes are now being built. Starting in early 2025, Estonia aims to erect its first bunkers.

According to Lilleväli's consultant, reserves Lieutenant Colonel Kaido Tiitus, "it's basically a cellar that is built underneath." The bunkers, which will have a total area of about 35 square meters (377 square feet), can accommodate 10 soldiers each along with all necessary supplies. According to Tiitus, they will be made for soldiers to "dwell in" for extended periods of time and to "offer protection against the enemy's artillery projectiles."

(With inputs from agencies)

Front-line states of NATO are already getting ready for the next conflict with Moscow. The military ministers of Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia approved a new plan in January to construct a vast network of fortifications with the goal of preventing and defeating the kind of Russian attack that has long been feared in northeastern Europe.

Front-line states of NATO are already getting ready for the next conflict with Moscow. The military ministers of Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia approved a new plan in January to construct a vast network of fortifications with the goal of preventing and defeating the kind of Russian attack that has long been feared in northeastern Europe. With 210 miles of border with Russia, most of which is thought to be nearly inaccessible due to dense forests and wetlands, Estonian officials stated their government is building over 600 bunkers in the hopes of averting a hypothetical Moscow invasion and takeover. Also Read: NATO chief urges member nations to ramp up ammunition "Regaining territory that has already been gained is very difficult and comes at significant cost of human life, time, and material resources," stated Susan Lilleväli, undersecretary for defence preparation at the Estonian Ministry of Defence. "The war in Ukraine has demonstrated this." During a press event on Thursday, she discussed the 60 million euro ($64.7 million) project. Lilleväli stated, "We need physical installations in addition to weaponry, ammunition, and troops to protect our countries efficiently." Baltic military and civilian authorities have bitterly denounced their role as a trip wire for NATO. The alliance underwent a strategic shift in response to Russia's disastrous invasion and occupation of large areas of Ukraine in 2022, as the Baltic states witnessed the atrocities committed against Ukrainians in Mariupol, the suburbs of Kyiv, and other places. According to the NATO tripwire plan, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas declared in 2022 that Russian forces would "wipe from the map" her country. "With the purpose of defending every inch of allied land at all times," Lilleväli told reporters on Thursday, the new defensive line in the Baltic is in keeping with NATO's modified "forward defence posture and deterrence by denial" policy. "The primary objective of these installations is to prevent military conflict in our region by altering the enemy's calculation," stated Lilleväli. "As the battle in Ukraine has shown, counter-mobility and fortification tactics are absolutely viable even in this century, and have played a big part in wars in our region in history, for example in Finland." "In the event of military incursions, the installations should impede the enemy's march already at our borders and deny them the opportunity to move fast in the territory of the Baltic countries," she stated. In order to "avoid leaving any loopholes, as the security situation in our region does not show any signs of improving at this point," Lilleväli stated that coordination with Lithuania and Latvia is necessary. Planners in Lithuania will pay close attention to the Suwałki Gap. This narrow stretch of territory separates Belarus from the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, which if occupied would cut off the Baltic republics from Poland and the other western European allies. The boundaries of Narva in the north and Võru in the south will be the focal points of Estonia's defenses. The Estonians have a strong defensive barrier thanks to Lake Peipus, which makes up a large portion of their border with Russia. According to Lilleväli, the main goal is to make sure that everyone is prepared "to combat the enemy from the first meter and first hour." In Ukraine, Russia's ground soldiers have suffered severe mauling. According to European sources who previously spoke with Newsweek, the forces tasked with spearheading any potential invasion of the Baltic republics are among those who have sustained significant casualties—up to 40 per cent in some circumstances. The Russian military is more seasoned despite being degraded. NATO officials have frequently stated that Moscow continues to represent a serious threat and will require some time to reassemble. Thus far, 600 bunkers have been planned by Estonian officials. These will be supplied by adjacent munitions and equipment stockpiles. Mock-ups provided to Newsweek show that the majority will be cuboid concrete "cellars" buried in the ground with a firing trench that is partially concealed and runs perpendicular to the entrance. Testing is scheduled to begin later this year, and prototypes are now being built. Starting in early 2025, Estonia aims to erect its first bunkers. According to Lilleväli's consultant, reserves Lieutenant Colonel Kaido Tiitus, "it's basically a cellar that is built underneath." The bunkers, which will have a total area of about 35 square meters (377 square feet), can accommodate 10 soldiers each along with all necessary supplies. According to Tiitus, they will be made for soldiers to "dwell in" for extended periods of time and to "offer protection against the enemy's artillery projectiles." (With inputs from agencies)

NATO states plan to construct hundreds of bunkers to thwart Russian invasion

Russia began delivery of an advanced missile defence system to Turkey on Friday, a move expected to trigger US sanctions against a NATO ally and drive a wedge into the heart of the Western military alliance. The first parts of the S-400 air defence system were flown to a military air base near the capital Ankara, the Turkish Defence Ministry said, sealing Turkey's deal with Russia which Washington had struggled for months to prevent.

Parts of S-400 missile system unloaded at Turkish air base

India could soon be as important for the United States as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-treated-us-unfairly-says-trump-during-state-of-the-union-address-195468">Nato allies</a> if a bill moved by two US Senators gets through.

The bill moved by Democrat Senator Mark Warner and Republican Senator John Cornyn seeks to amend certain sections of the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) 2020 of US on foreign military sales. The bill proposes amendment "(1) in sections 3(d)(2) (B), 3(d)(3)(A)(i), 3(d)(5), 21(e)(2)(A), 36(b)(1), 36(b)(2), 36(b)(6), 36(c)(2) (A), 36(c)(5), 36(d)(2)(A), 62(c)(1), and 63(a)(2), by inserting ‘‘India,’’ before ‘‘or New Zealand’’ each place it appears; (2) in section 3(b)(2), by inserting ‘‘the Government of India,’’ before ‘‘or the Government of New Zealand’’; and (3) in sections 21(h)(1)(A) and 21(h)(2), , by inserting ‘‘India,’’ before ‘‘or Israel’’ each place it appears."

If this bill is passed, it would show that India is a priority for the US administration in terms of defence sales, according to US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), which had worked on this important legislation.

This development comes days after the Trump administration revoked the preferential trade status under the Generalised System of Preference (GSP) programme. India was the largest beneficiary of the programme in 2017 with $5.7 billion in imports to the US given duty-free status.

The original co-sponsors of the legislation are Congressman Ami Bera the longest-serving Indian-American in Congress and the House India Caucus Co-Chairs, Congressmen George Holding, Brad Sherman and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and Congressman Ted Yoho.

The NDAA for fiscal 2017 included special language recognising the unique US-India defence relationship that designated India as a "Major Defence Partner" of the United States.

Although powerful in its own right, the NDAA has no legal bearing on the State Department's body of legislation, nor does it compel the State Department to view defence with India more favourably, USISPF said in a statement.

This is yet another significant development after signing of the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) agreement with the US, which allows both countries to share encrypted technology for the defence sector.

India could soon be as important for the United States as Nato allies if a bill moved by two US Senators gets through. The bill moved by Democrat Senator Mark Warner and Republican Senator John Cornyn seeks to amend certain sections of the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) 2020 of US on foreign military sales.

India could soon be as important for the United States as Nato allies if a bill moved by two US Senators gets through. The bill moved by Democrat Senator Mark Warner and Republican Senator John Cornyn seeks to amend certain sections of the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) 2020 of US on foreign military sales. The bill proposes amendment "(1) in sections 3(d)(2) (B), 3(d)(3)(A)(i), 3(d)(5), 21(e)(2)(A), 36(b)(1), 36(b)(2), 36(b)(6), 36(c)(2) (A), 36(c)(5), 36(d)(2)(A), 62(c)(1), and 63(a)(2), by inserting ‘‘India,’’ before ‘‘or New Zealand’’ each place it appears; (2) in section 3(b)(2), by inserting ‘‘the Government of India,’’ before ‘‘or the Government of New Zealand’’; and (3) in sections 21(h)(1)(A) and 21(h)(2), , by inserting ‘‘India,’’ before ‘‘or Israel’’ each place it appears." If this bill is passed, it would show that India is a priority for the US administration in terms of defence sales, according to US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), which had worked on this important legislation. This development comes days after the Trump administration revoked the preferential trade status under the Generalised System of Preference (GSP) programme. India was the largest beneficiary of the programme in 2017 with $5.7 billion in imports to the US given duty-free status. The original co-sponsors of the legislation are Congressman Ami Bera the longest-serving Indian-American in Congress and the House India Caucus Co-Chairs, Congressmen George Holding, Brad Sherman and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and Congressman Ted Yoho. The NDAA for fiscal 2017 included special language recognising the unique US-India defence relationship that designated India as a "Major Defence Partner" of the United States. Although powerful in its own right, the NDAA has no legal bearing on the State Department's body of legislation, nor does it compel the State Department to view defence with India more favourably, USISPF said in a statement. This is yet another significant development after signing of the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) agreement with the US, which allows both countries to share encrypted technology for the defence sector.

India can soon get Nato ally-like status as two US Senators move bill

A bipartisan group of half a dozen influential American lawmakers has reintroduced important legislation in the House of Representatives which seeks to advance the US-India strategic relationship.

If enacted, the legislation would ensure that the US State Department treat India as a NATO ally for the purposes of the Arms Export Control Act.

It would send a powerful signal that defence sales to India should be prioritised according to US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, which had worked on this important legislation.

The bill HR 2123 was introduced this week by Congressman Joe Wilson, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

"India is the world's largest democracy, a pillar of stability in the region, and has shown strong commitments to export control policies," said Mr Wilson.

"This adjustment to US law will further allow the US-India partnership to flourish in line with our security commitment to the Indo-Pacific region. I am grateful for the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), led by Dr Mukesh Aghi, and their support for this legislation," he said.

The original co-sponsors of the legislation are Congressman Ami Bera - the longest-serving Indian-American in the US Congress - and the House India Caucus Co-Chairs, Congressmen George Holding, Brad Sherman and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and Congressman Ted Yoho.

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal 2017 included special language recognising the unique US-India defence relationship that designated India as a "Major Defence Partner" of the United States.

The language seeks unique consideration for trade and technology sharing with India and increased attention and support to advance this relationship in the areas of defence trade and technology sharing.

"The legislation bolsters national security and helps ensure full alignment between the Department of Defense and the Department of State."

"Such a change will institutionalise the gains made in the relationship and provide a more stable foundation upon which both countries can solidify this unique defence partnership," USISPF said.

Although powerful in its own right, the NDAA FY 2017 has no legal bearing on the State Department's body of legislation, nor does it compel the State Department to view defence with India more favourably, USISPF said in a statement.

To fulfil the spirit and intent of the NDAA 2017, the US-India Enhanced Cooperation Act would amend the Arms Export Control Act to put India on par with NATO allies and Israel, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia and Japan.

"We applaud Congressman Wilson's leadership in reintroducing this important bill. We are confident the US Congress will continue to enact legislation that bolsters the bilateral. The great power competition is not lost on Members of Congress, who understand the strategic imperative for a deeper relationship with India," said Mr Aghi, president and CEO of USISPF.

"This legislation would be a major breakthrough for the US-India defence relationship. As Chairman of USISPF, I support this move because it would ultimately further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. The future is bright for the US-India relationship and we hope this legislation is enacted soon," USISPF chairman John Chambers said.

A bipartisan group of half a dozen influential American lawmakers has reintroduced important legislation in the House of Representatives which seeks to advance the US-India strategic relationship.

A bipartisan group of half a dozen influential American lawmakers has reintroduced important legislation in the House of Representatives which seeks to advance the US-India strategic relationship. If enacted, the legislation would ensure that the US State Department treat India as a NATO ally for the purposes of the Arms Export Control Act. It would send a powerful signal that defence sales to India should be prioritised according to US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, which had worked on this important legislation. The bill HR 2123 was introduced this week by Congressman Joe Wilson, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. "India is the world's largest democracy, a pillar of stability in the region, and has shown strong commitments to export control policies," said Mr Wilson. "This adjustment to US law will further allow the US-India partnership to flourish in line with our security commitment to the Indo-Pacific region. I am grateful for the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), led by Dr Mukesh Aghi, and their support for this legislation," he said. The original co-sponsors of the legislation are Congressman Ami Bera - the longest-serving Indian-American in the US Congress - and the House India Caucus Co-Chairs, Congressmen George Holding, Brad Sherman and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and Congressman Ted Yoho. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal 2017 included special language recognising the unique US-India defence relationship that designated India as a "Major Defence Partner" of the United States. The language seeks unique consideration for trade and technology sharing with India and increased attention and support to advance this relationship in the areas of defence trade and technology sharing. "The legislation bolsters national security and helps ensure full alignment between the Department of Defense and the Department of State." "Such a change will institutionalise the gains made in the relationship and provide a more stable foundation upon which both countries can solidify this unique defence partnership," USISPF said. Although powerful in its own right, the NDAA FY 2017 has no legal bearing on the State Department's body of legislation, nor does it compel the State Department to view defence with India more favourably, USISPF said in a statement. To fulfil the spirit and intent of the NDAA 2017, the US-India Enhanced Cooperation Act would amend the Arms Export Control Act to put India on par with NATO allies and Israel, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia and Japan. "We applaud Congressman Wilson's leadership in reintroducing this important bill. We are confident the US Congress will continue to enact legislation that bolsters the bilateral. The great power competition is not lost on Members of Congress, who understand the strategic imperative for a deeper relationship with India," said Mr Aghi, president and CEO of USISPF. "This legislation would be a major breakthrough for the US-India defence relationship. As Chairman of USISPF, I support this move because it would ultimately further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. The future is bright for the US-India relationship and we hope this legislation is enacted soon," USISPF chairman John Chambers said.

India could soon become a 'NATO ally'; bill introduced by US Congress

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NATO states plan to construct hundreds of bunkers to thwart Russian invasion

Parts of S-400 missile system unloaded at Turkish air base

India can soon get Nato ally-like status as two US Senators move bill

India could soon become a 'NATO ally'; bill introduced by US Congress