BANGKOK (AP) — A group of German air force fighter jets landed in Singapore on Tuesday as part of a marathon bid to fly them some 12,800 kilometers (8,000 miles) from their home base to Southeast Asia in just 24 hours. The European Union unveiled a new strategy in September for boosting economic, political and defense ties in the Indo-Pacific. As China has grown more assertive in the region, the United States, Britain and others have also made it increasingly a priority. It took part in joint exercises with allies including Australia, Singapore, Japan and the United States, and was denied a port call in China. In addition to Germany, European NATO members France, Britain and the Netherlands are participating, along with the United States, New Zealand, Korea, the UAE, India, Japan, Thailand and others.

Source: thestar August 16, 2022 20:12 UTC