Thread by @lhsingapura

@MunenoAndo (a) The TNI is not a speed bump, as they plan to defend Natuna Islands.

(b) The SAF as a conscript army has a high level of interoperability with the US Army. Singapore is seen as a key partner by the Indonesians, Australians & Americans in USARPAC — see #SuperGarudaShield2022.

@MunenoAndo (c) China’s Malacca Straits dilemma means Indonesia & Singapore, combined have the tactical ‘high ground.’ Indonesia controls 3 chokepoints — no amount of Chinese threats can change this fact.

@MunenoAndo 4. Look carefully. Against the PLA(N), the TNI are thinking about A2AD ops (in reverse). This is sea denial of the PLA(N) at chokepoints. The TNI will be fighting in over 150 Natuna Islands (in the sea denial fight), 500km to 600km b4 the 800km long Malacca Straits.

https://twitter.com/lhsingapura/status/1558394650473336832

@MunenoAndo 5. Singaporean staff officers fm 3rd Division w USARPAC & TNI AD at #SuperGarudaShield2022 — planning to retake islands & deploy to austere air fields in Natuna & Riau Islands — these ops are supported by the USN & RSN. The Americans say tt this Ex has real world application.

https://twitter.com/enricoe39/status/1557234155880329221

@MunenoAndo 6. As the Germans demonstrate, countries that project power into (or from) the Asia-Pacific, they are go through Singapore’s ports &/or air bases. This would also apply to the Japanese, Koreans or Chinese, as they project power into the Indian Ocean region.

https://twitter.com/germanyinsgp/status/1559862568792965121

@MunenoAndo 7. To me, the goal of deterrence & diplomacy is avoid a war. ADMM is a forum to engage in diplomatic efforts. At the ASEAN, 9 defence ministers are making an effort to resolve differences & manage disputes within the organisation & also externally with parties, like China.

https://twitter.com/mindefsg/status/1539632064089030656

@MunenoAndo @threadreaderapp unroll please