Peter Koerte

Taiwan's defence ministry has detected a Chinese balloon over the sea northwest of the island, the first sighting since April. Spotted on Sunday evening at 33,000 feet, the balloon entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone and vanished by 8:15pm. In addition, 12 Chinese military aircraft and seven warships have been reported near Taiwan within the last 24 hours. China persists in its claim over Taiwan, threatening military action if independence is pursued. The use of balloons, alongside military assets, is viewed by Taiwan as a tactic of grey zone harassment, which stops short of outright conflict. With Taiwan's presidential election approaching in January, there are heightened concerns regarding increased Chinese balloon activity. China has largely ignored Taiwanese complaints, maintaining that the balloons are intended for meteorological purposes. Simultaneously, reports indicate that the US is planning military deployments in Japan and the Philippines to address potential emergencies concerning Taiwan. A joint operational plan is set for December, potentially involving a US Marine regiment with HIMARS systems in Japan's Nansei island chain. Logistics support is expected to come primarily from Japan, while the US Army aims to position long-range fire units in the Philippines. These moves reflect deepening regional alliances and have raised tensions with Beijing, particularly following recent defence agreements between the Philippines and the US, as well as a pact between Japan and the Philippines. #AsiaRisk #GeopoliticalConflictandDisputes #Taiwan Get a full accounting of the security situation in Asia by subscribing to Security Asia. Subscribe now--free of charge--at https://lnkd.in/gPtAUrsX https://lnkd.in/g-_kHMZG

Retailers accused of keeping petrol and diesel prices high for 'no good reason' while Britain 'distracted' by election https://lnkd.in/dp_BRe54 Fuel retailers have been accused of using the "distraction" of the general election to keep petrol and diesel prices "persistently high". The RAC said the cost of filling up at the pumps was "far higher" than would normally be expected as wholesale costs had fallen since the end of April. Click the above link for details. #FinancialPlanning

Minister touts 120kph speed limits: Draft transport rule aims to undo blanket reductions made by Labour and enable faster speeds on roads of national significance. #speedlimits #draft #landtransport #rule #consultation #government #ministeroftransport #simeonbrown #national #act #coalition #greenparty #carnews

Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law late Tuesday, citing the need to safeguard constitutional order and respond to threats from North Korea. He described the Republic of Korea's situation as precarious and expressed his resolve to eliminate "pro-North Korean anti-state forces" that jeopardize the freedoms of the Korean people. This declaration follows turbulent political actions by the opposition, including an impeachment bill and a reduced budget. In response to the martial law declaration, the Ministry of National Defense convened military leaders and initiated increased readiness across the armed forces. Yoon justified this action as essential for public safety and order, invoking the Republic of Korea Constitution. The last martial law in the country occurred during the Gwangju Uprising in 1980. Yoon accused the opposition of endangering the constitutional order, denouncing their legislative activities as attempts to foment insurrection. Opposition leaders condemned the declaration, with Han Dong-hoon calling it inappropriate and Lee Jae-myung vowing to mobilize against it. Yoon characterized the National Assembly as dysfunctional, labeling it a "den of criminals" that obstructs governance. He pledged to eliminate anti-state elements and restore normalcy, while minimizing inconveniences from martial law for citizens. Yoon sought the trust of the Korean people, assuring them of his commitment to defending the nation. The Constitution mandates that the National Assembly must be informed of the martial law and holds the authority to request its repeal with a majority vote. Both ruling and opposition leaders signaled their intention to oppose Yoon's martial law measures. #AsiaRisk #GeopoliticalConflictandDisputes #SouthKorea Get a full accounting of the security situation in Asia by subscribing to Security Asia. Subscribe now--free of charge--at Substack https://lnkd.in/gPtAUrsX https://lnkd.in/gwJKQZrx

Yoon: "If North Korea attempts to use nuclear weapons, that day will be the day the regime ends" [Full text of Armed Forces Day commemorative speech] President Yoon Seok-yeol delivered a resolute message at the 76th Armed Forces Day ceremony, asserting that any nuclear aggression from North Korea would provoke a decisive military response from South Korea and the ROK-US alliance, marking the end of the North Korean regime. He stressed the need for enhanced trilateral security cooperation with Japan. Yoon announced the formation of a Strategic Command to bolster national defense against North Korean threats. He lauded the military's role in ensuring national security and contributing to global peace, while acknowledging the advancements in South Korea's defense technology. The significance of the ROK-US alliance was highlighted, particularly in terms of integrated deterrence and military collaboration. Addressing North Korea's ongoing provocations, including missile threats and illicit arms dealings with Russia, Yoon assured that South Korean forces stand ready to react swiftly. He reiterated the strengthened ROK-US nuclear alliance and the recent deployment of US strategic military assets to South Korea. Yoon called for public support for the military and reinforced the government's commitment to modernizing defense capabilities in response to a shifting global security environment. #AsiaRisk #NorthKorea #SouthKorea https://lnkd.in/dA57TzyX Crisis Management Planning for an NK Crisis Get the Erudite Risk NK Crisis Toolkit https://lnkd.in/gSGK9_fS

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected a new tactical missile weapons system manufactured by the Korean People's Army, calling for an "epochal change" in war preparations and stressing the need for timely completion of ongoing weapons production plans. The newly unveiled weapons are thought to be the "Hwasong-11 Ra" close-range ballistic missiles, with a range of 100 kilometers. The inspection follows a recent visit to munitions factories and tests of updated rocket launcher systems, amid speculation that North Korea is ramping up production to potentially supply weapons to Russia. Experts suggest that North Korea's disclosure of these weapons is aimed at diversifying their weapons portfolio for potential exports. #AsiaRisk #GeopoliticalConflictandDisputes #SouthKorea Follow us for daily updates on risk and operations in Asia! https://lnkd.in/djEGJPAZ

South Korea has warned North Korea that any harm to its citizens would result in the "end of its regime." This follows threats from North Korea, conveyed by Kim Yo-jong, of a "horrible disaster" in response to alleged drone flights over Pyongyang. South Korea's Defense Ministry criticized North Korea's provocations, calling them hypocritical amid its recent failures in military and state affairs, including spy satellite launches. In response, North Korea has threatened strong counteractions if anti-Pyongyang materials are flown into its territory again, asserting that the situation has been precipitated by South Korean actions. The ruling People Power Party reinforced the Defense Ministry's message, stating that South Korea's security is bolstered by its military capabilities and alliance with the United States. North Korea accused South Korean activists of sending anti-Pyongyang flyers and balloons, which South Korea's Defense Ministry dismissed as a tactic to deflect blame. The South criticized the North's recent actions, such as sending trash-filled balloons into its territory. There has been ongoing friction, with North Korea claiming multiple airspace intrusions by South Korean drones, which the South denies. The North’s propaganda emphasizes anger towards South Korea, prominently featured in state-run media. #AsiaRisk #NorthKorea #SouthKorea https://lnkd.in/gq4Q-9uQ Crisis Management Planning for an NK Crisis Get the Erudite Risk NK Crisis Toolkit https://lnkd.in/gSGK9_fS

US benefits from creating war risks, Chinese envoy says China urges collaboration against the US’ attempts to provoke a conflict and an arms race in the Asia-Pacific region (APAC), Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui told Izvestia. According to him, Washington is forcefully promoting the deployment of Typhon missile systems, which are stationed in the Philippines indefinitely. That said, the systems located on Luzon island are capable of striking targets in the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, and China’s economically developed eastern regions, while their missiles may be outfitted with nuclear warheads. "The US’ actions may be interpreted as a step backward in history, provoking a standoff between military blocs, strengthening military alliances, and disrupting the strategic balance in the region. This has created new tensions and confrontations. Such actions may trigger a ‘broken windows’ effect, facilitating the spread of intermediate-range missile technologies among allies and opening the ‘Pandora’s box’ for the deployment of strategic forces and arms in the Asia-Pacific region. As a result, this region may be drawn into an endless arms race," the envoy warned. "The Asia-Pacific region needs peace and development, not conflicts and standoffs. Some countries, trying to preserve their positions, create chaos for their personal gain and incite conflict every time other regions aspire for improvement and development. In recent years, the US has been profiting from creating the risks of war, which leads to constant conflicts and humanitarian crises in the affected countries," the diplomat concluded. #business #finance #financialservices

North Korea launched a ballistic missile into its eastern waters, according to South Korea's military. Details on the missile's range were not disclosed. This event follows intelligence reports suggesting that North Korea is likely prepared for its seventh nuclear test and is nearing the capability to test a long-range missile that could reach the United States. Since 2022, North Korea has intensified its weapons testing to bolster its arsenal of nuclear-capable missiles aimed at South Korea and the U.S. Additionally, there are growing concerns over North Korean troops reportedly moving to Russia to support its military operations in Ukraine. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin noted that North Korean soldiers are being deployed in Russian uniforms and equipped with Russian gear, a development deemed dangerous and destabilizing. Reports suggest that over 11,000 North Korean troops have been sent to Russia, with more than 3,000 currently near battlefields in Western Russia. #AsiaRisk #GeopoliticalConflictandDisputes #SouthKorea Get a full accounting of the security situation in Asia by subscribing to Security Asia. Subscribe now--free of charge--at https://lnkd.in/g7Cs8Gkf https://lnkd.in/gZkztjKP

Not sure how, but a South Korean court has charged the S. Korean Alpine Federation for the costs of rescuing a deceased member from an 8000' peak in Pakistan https://lnkd.in/g_fEuzaa @UIAAmountains #Mountaineering #MountaingClimbing @RecreationLaw #RecLaw #RecreationLaw #Mountaineering #MountaingClimbing #RiskManagement

Not sure how, but a South Korean court has charged the S. Korean Alpine Federation for the costs of rescuing a deceased member from an 8000' peak in Pakistan https://lnkd.in/g_fEuzaa @UIAAmountains #Mountaineering #MountaingClimbing @RecreationLaw #RecLaw #RecreationLaw #Mountaineering #MountaingClimbing #RiskManagement

Not sure how, but a South Korean court has charged the S. Korean Alpine Federation for the costs of rescuing a deceased member from an 8000' peak in Pakistan https://lnkd.in/g_fEuzaa @UIAAmountains #Mountaineering #MountaingClimbing @RecreationLaw #RecLaw #RecreationLaw #Mountaineering #MountaingClimbing #RiskManagement