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.
- The AIIB's Articles of Agreement were announced this week. Beijing will have effective veto power, but there is already pressure from other Indo-Pacific nations to have the Bank finance large infrastructure projects in the region.
- Here is US Deputy National Security Advisor Benjamin Rhodes defending the Obama Administration's foreign policy, with particular emphasis on Asia.
- The Financial Times' Gideon Rachman was at the Lowy Institute last week for the Australia-UK Asia Dialogue. Here is his column on how Australia and Britain are seeking common ground in the Indo-Pacific.
- Are Chinese submarines now making port-calls in Pakistan?
- China has reportedly deployed a new anti-submarine/maritime-patrol aircraft.
- Vietnam's media is reporting that China has deployed an oil rig to an area where their EEZs overlap. Meanwhile, Vietnam has just received its fourth Kilo-class submarine from Russia.
- Southeast Asia may be turning into the new piracy capital of the world, particularly around the critical Malacca Strait.
- Does Japan have a flag problem?