THE ARMS RACE IN S E ASIA

e.g. Scorpine Submarines

“15 Mar 2010

New SIPRI data on international arms transfers reflect arms race concerns

For immediate release (Stockholm) by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute [SIPRI]

Concerns about brewing ‘arms races’ in a number of regions of tension around the world are reflected in new data on international arms transfers published today by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The comprehensive annual update of the SIPRI Arms Transfers Database is accessible from today at www.sipri.org.

Combat aircraft accounted for 27 per cent of the volume of international arms transfers during 2005–2009. Orders and deliveries of these potentially destabilizing weapon systems have led to arms race concerns in the following regions of tension: the Middle East, North Africa, South America, South Asia and South East Asia.

‘SIPRI data show that resource-rich states have purchased a considerable quantity of expensive combat aircraft’, states Dr Paul Holtom, Director of the SIPRI Arms Transfers Programme. ‘Neighbouring rivals have reacted to these acquisitions with orders of their own. One can question whether this is an appropriate allocation of resources in regions with high levels of poverty.’”

Extract……………………

“South East Asia

Transfers to South East Asia have increased dramatically between the periods 2000–2004 and 2005–2009. Indonesian, Singaporean and Malaysian arms imports have increased by 84 per cent, 146 per cent and 722 per cent respectively. Singapore is the first ASEAN member to be included in the SIPRI Top 10 arms importers since the end of the Vietnam War.

Acquisitions of long-range combat aircraft and warships by these states have influenced the procurement plans of neighbouring states. SIPRI Asia expert Siemon Wezeman notes that ‘In 2009, Viet Nam became the latest South East Asian state to order long-range combat aircraft and submarines. The current wave of South East Asian acquisitions could destabilize the region, jeopardizing decades of peace.’”

End of extract………………..

Note: Emphasis was added by me,

WOW!!!!

WHAT A LOT OF MONEY HAS BEEN THROWN DOWN THE DRAIN, PISSED AGAINST THE WALL, WASTED SQUANDERED ON USED ON IMPORTED ARMS IN MALAYSIA, A DRAMATIC INCREASE OF 722% between the periods 2000–2004 and 2005–2009.

UNFORTUNATELY, SO MANY FOLKS IN MALAYSIA ARE REALLY POOR AND PRICES, COMPAIRED TO AVERAGE INCOMES, ARE VERY VERY HIGH.

HOW WASTEFUL, HOW DISGUSTING , HOW SHAMEFUL AND HOW DISTRESSING!

Nomina stultorum parietibus haerent

- The names of foolish persons adhere to walls

(Fools names and fools faces are often seen in public places.)

Non omne quod licet honestum est

Not everything that is permitted is honest