Hong Kong, China — China has exported two 16 PA6 shipborne diesel engines to Myanmar to be fitted on its navy's indigenous patrol ships, a representative of the German MAN Diesel Company, which designed the original engines, has confirmed. Most of the major surface combatants of the Myanmar navy were supplied by China.

Shanghai, China — The shooting down of a U.S. satellite by U.S. navy forces last month raised concern from other satellite-owning countries, particularly China and Russia, despite the explanation that the move was to prevent the malfunctioning satellite from crashing and spreading toxic materials on the Earth.

Seoul, South Korea — North Korea is under mounting pressure to hasten its disarmament process in the face of a strengthening South Korea-U.S. alliance. Diplomatic sources say China has crafted a proposed compromise on the outstanding issue, Pyongyang's declaration of its suspected uranium-based nuclear program.

Hong Kong, China — China is not prepared to handle a large-scale external crisis, particularly in the Taiwan Strait, it can be concluded after assessing the nation's hardware, including ammunition supplies and fuel reserves, as well as the quality of its military personnel and its political infrastructure.

Hong Kong, China — INTERPOL, the world's largest international police organization, began a three-day Asian Regional Conference in Hong Kong Wednesday, emphasizing the need for member states to increase regional cooperation and engage in greater use of technology to combat transnational crimes.

Beijing, China — China announced a 17.6 percent increase in its defense spending Tuesday, saying the hike was for pay rises, inflation, training and hi-tech know-how. One day earlier, the Pentagon released a report on China's military buildup, warning that confusion about Beijing's intentions could spark instability in East Asia.

Hong Kong, China — Some high-resolution images of China's Type 094 SSBN have shed new light on this mysterious strategic missile nuclear-powered submarine of the People's Liberation Army Navy. Satellite photos released by Google Earth reveal two of these new submarines at the Huludao Shipyard in northeast China.

Hong Kong, China — Based on the design of the Russian Sukhoi Su-27SK fighter, China has come up with its own domestic version, the J-11B multi-function fighter. Except for the Russian-made engines, 90 percent of the major subsystems fitted on the J-11B, including the radar and optical electronic systems, are made by China.

Hong Kong, China — China has exported more advanced weapon systems to Sudan. TV video footage of a military parade shows that the country already has new-generation Chinese T96 and upgraded T59D main battle tanks and T92 wheeled infantry fighting vehicles fitted with Russian 2A72 30-mm cannon guns.

Seoul, South Korea — A year ago, optimism was high for an early resolution of the standoff over North Korea's nuclear weapons drive, on the back of a landmark aid-for-disarmament deal. But Pyongyang has missed a key deadline, aid has been delayed, and optimism is waning.

Hong Kong, China — NATO is closely watching China's military expansion with an attitude of rising concern and wariness. Led by the United States, NATO members are starting to view China as a possible emerging common adversary. Chances are very slim that the European Union will lift its arms embargo on China this year.

Tokyo, Japan — UPI contributor Andrei Chang interviewed Japan's Vice Minister of Defense Kohei Masuda recently on issues related to Japan's defense preparedness, China's military, and regional alliances. Excerpts from the interview follow.

Beijing, China — Robert Mueller, director of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, was in Beijing this week for discussions with counterparts concerning security preparations for the upcoming Summer Olympics. He also told reporters about his agency's "cop-to-cop diplomacy" with China.

Seoul, South Korea — Officials from the United States and China are heading to North Korea this week to revive efforts to rid the country of its atomic weapons. Sung Kim, who leads the U.S. State Department's office of Korean affairs, is due to arrive in Pyongyang Thursday.

Seoul, South Korea — With the restored support of South Korea and that of Japan, the United States is better positioned to drive its foreign policy in Northeast Asia and on the Korean peninsula. However, Washington would be wise to broaden the framework of its policy if it wishes to remain a long-term regional player.

Hong Kong, China — The appearance of Chinese amphibious assault vehicles has fundamentally changed the mode of cross-sea combat operations in the Taiwan Strait, making beyond-vision landing assaults possible. These vehicles can greatly weaken the artillery projection capability of the Taiwanese ground forces.

Colombo, Sri Lanka — Events of the past three weeks are an indication of the potential for savagery in the Sri Lankan government's war with the LTTE. The recent massacre of civilians in the remote rural countryside of the south evoked memories of earlier war times, and it is likely that more such attacks will occur.

Hong Kong, China — As the independence of the judiciary in Pakistan is being treated as a threat to national security by the military, 55 judges remain unconstitutionally retired, 13 from the Supreme Court. Eleven judges are under house arrest and several senior lawyers are in detention.

Seoul, South Korea — South Korean President-elect Lee Myung-bak is expected to improve ties with Japan and the United States, a welcome prospect both within and without his country. It is best to opt for multilateral, rather than triangular, diplomacy to establish long-term security on the Korean peninsula, however.

Hong Kong, China — Recent Google Earth satellite photos have revealed the positions of Chinese ballistic missiles under the control of the PLA's Second Artillery Force in Meizhou, Guangdong province and Yongan, Fujian province, capable of covering Taiwan in the event of war.

Kolkata, India — As the White House hopefuls, both Democrat and Republican, lace their speeches with the primary U.S. concerns -- Iraq, internal security, immigration, healthcare and the economy -- they may have to add a nuclear armed Pakistan to their list in future.

Beijing, China — Questions posed by reporters from state-run media to U.S. Admiral Timothy Keating at a briefing in Beijing revealed some of China's fundamental worries concerning the military dimension of its relationship with the United States.

Hong Kong, China — China, Taiwan and Singapore all share the Chinese language and culture. Yet due to their different positions in the international sphere and the capabilities of their respective military industries, the three have chosen very different military strategies and weapons systems.

Seoul, South Korea — South Korea's new government will call for a review of a major military deal with the United States, pushed by outgoing liberal President Roh Moo-hyun, to reduce the role of U.S. troops on the Korean peninsula. President-elect Lee Myung-bak wants to renegotiate the deal.

Colombo, Sri Lanka — The Sri Lankan government's Jan. 2 decision to abrogate the Ceasefire Agreement on account of the ground reality, where conditions of war and terror prevail, was not unexpected. Domestically the decision has not been contested, but the international community has voiced strong concern.

Seoul, South Korea — This week's trip to Seoul by the top U.S. nuclear envoy comes at a crucial time in multilateral efforts to put an end to North Korea's nuclear weapons programs and new South Korean leader's moves to mend ties with Washington.

Hong Kong, China — Should a conflict break out across the Taiwan Strait, Taiwanese forces would face a grave shortage of ammunition after just seven days of fighting. Even though China has a much greater stockpile of ammunition than Taiwan, it would also encounter similar problems in a sustained conflict.