The Indo-Pacific is a strategic system encompassing the Indian and Pacific oceans, reflecting the expanding interests and reach of China and India as well as the enduring role of the US. The Lowy Institute's International Security program presents a weekly selection of links illuminating the changing security picture in this increasingly connected super-region.
- Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's speech marking the 70th anniversary of World War II has stirred debate about Asia's continuing history wars. The recent essay from The Economist on the topic is worth checking out.
- Meanwhile, Japanese Emperor Akihito seemed to strike a softer tone in his commemoration speech. Both China and South Korea criticised the speech. Beijing called it 'evasive' and South Korean President Park Geun-hye said it contained 'regrettable elements'.
- Denny Roy in Foreign Policy placed the speech's importance within the geopolitics of Northeast Asia.
- The Christian Science Monitor also ran an editorial on history and China's looming World War II victory celebrations: 'To prevent conflict, Asia must think less of power relationships and more of ideals that unite.'
- A great piece in The National Interest from Lyle Goldstein on China's rapidly growing anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
- A review of a new film on North Korea, While They Watched.
- An editorial from The Washington Post this week has pointed to a new report from 38 North that details Pyongyang's growing nuclear capabilities.
- 8 people were killed and 17 wounded in Kashmir this week as a result of an exchange of fire between India and Pakistan.
- The India Today network has run a 15-minute segment on Chinese submarines in the Indian Ocean. Worth watching the first few minutes to see the domestic spin: