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.
- Evan A Laksmana pulls apart reports that Indonesia is supposedly taking a firm line in its maritime territorial differences with China.
- China may be developing a new missile cruiser, judging by photographs of a mock-up vessel in Wuhan.
- Does the Iranian navy have Indo-Pacific ambitions?
- Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced the US will assign two more Aegis-class BMD destroyers by 2017 to counter the North Korean missile threat. On Tuesday, Hagel was the first foreigner to take a tour of China's refurbished aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, but differences between the two countries were emphasised during a press conference where Hagel clashed with Chinese Defence Minister General Chang Wangquang.
- CNAS offers four highlights from last week's US-ASEAN defence forum in Honolulu that could affect security in Southeast Asia.
- During Prime Minister Tony Abbott's visit to Tokyo, Australia and Japan decided to work towards a framework agreement for defence technology sharing, with marine hydrodynamics as an initial area of cooperation. However, media speculation suggests that Canberra's real goal is to buy Japanese submarine technology.
- Meanwhile, Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Ray Griggs outlined his vision for the role Australian submarines should play in the Indo-Pacific.
- Why stop at the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands? James Holmes considers the strategic costs and benefits of a hypothetical Chinese play for the Ryukyu Islands.
The Lowy Institute International Security Program's work on Indo-Pacific security is supported by two grants from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation