23 Oct 15. US and China naval relation ‘best in history.’
The current naval relation between the US and China is the ‘best in history’, Chinese naval chief Wu Shengli has reportedly revealed during senior US Navy officers’ visit to China’s lone aircraft carrier Liaoning. The naval chief’s comment comes as the US Navy plans to send warships around man-made Spratly islands in the disputed South China Sea. According to the official People’s Liberation Army Daily, Wu Shengli said that the military exchanges between the two countries will become more systematic in the future, Reuters reported.
Both the countries have conducted joint drills and agreed on warfare rules to increase military interaction.
The naval chief was quoted as saying: “At present, relations between the Chinese and US navies are at their best time in history.
“Exchanges and communications are more trusting and effective.”
The 27-member delegation of US naval captains who visited the aircraft exchanged views with their counterparts on topics such as personnel training and management, medical support and aircraft carrier development strategy, the news agency reported.
The Washington’s decision to sail naval ships within 12nm miles of the artificial islands has created cracks in US-Chinese relations as it challenges Beijing’s maritime claims over the region.
The recent Airbus Defence and Space imagery revealed the presence of helipads and runway on the island, proving that China is building outposts far from its shores.
The countries within the South China Sea, along with the US, have repeatedly claimed that the area is situated in international waters.
US Pacific fleet commander admiral Scott Swift reportedly said that the policymakers in Washington will take the final decision over the navy’s plan to sail through the South China Sea.
Swift said that patrols would reinforce international laws and will not be directing at a specific country, the Associated Press reported. (Source: naval-technology.com)
21 Oct 15. Canada to withdraw fighter jets from Iraq and Syria. Canada will withdraw its fighter jets from the air strikes against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Iraq and Syria, the newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced.
As part of his election campaign, Trudeau had promised to bring back the CF-18 fighter jets deployed to combat ISSIL.
The new prime minster has reportedly informed US President Barack Obama of his decision following the victory of Liberals in the recent election.
Trudeau was quoted in media reports as saying: “I committed that we would continue to engage in a responsible way that understands how important Canada’s role is to play in the fight against ISIL, but he understands the commitments I’ve made about ending the combat mission.”
Currently, Canada has six CF-18 fighter jets deployed in support of the US-led international coalition effort against ISIL.
In addition, the country deployed around 70 Special Forces troops to train Kurds in northern Iraq, The Guardian reported.
However, Trudeau didn’t give a timeline for the withdrawal of the force.
Meanwhile, a statement from the White House read as: “The two leaders agreed on the importance of deepening the already strong United States-Canada relationship and committed to strengthening the countries’ joint efforts to promote trade, combat terrorism, and mitigate climate change.”
In August, Denmark announced its decision to temporarily withdraw its Kuwait-based fighter jets supporting international coalition airstrikes against ISIL in northern Iraq. Denmark Foreign Minister Kristian Jensen earlier said that this break will allow the aircraft to undergo repairs and the air force personnel to recover. (Source: army-technology.com)
21 Oct 15. US prepares to sell eight newbuild F-16s to Pakistan. The Obama administration is preparing to sell eight new Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters to Pakistan in recognition of the country’s push against Ta