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.
- Despite announcing that modernisation of the armed forces will be among the government's priorities, Luhut Pandjaitan, Senior Advisor to Indonesian President-elect Joko Widodo, has emphasised that Indonesia will continue the policy of pushing for dialogue to resolve tough regional issues such as the South China Sea
- A Chinese surveillance vessel was detected within the US exclusive economic zone off Guam observing major US military exercises, Valiant Shield. This follows a similar incident at RIMPAC exercises earlier this year.
- Japan is looking to develop a new early-warning aircraft due to concern over its aging fleet of US-made surveillance equipment.
- In a letter to South Korean President Park Geun-hye, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has suggested they meet on the sidelines of upcoming international conferences. Since coming to office in 2013, President Park has refused to meet Prime Minister Abe one-on-one, despite pressure from their mutual ally, the US.
- The standoff in Ladakh has overshadowed the Modi-Xi summit, deepening concerns over India-China relations. Rory Medcalf argues this was a not just a missed opportunity to start afresh, but also to transform a sometimes tricky relationship.
- North Korea is currently experiencing a generational change within its cadre of nuclear scientists. This has added to the uncertainty over the future, and safety, of North Korean nuclear technology.
- Admiral Harry Harris, US Commander of the Pacific Fleet, has been nominated by President Obama to take command of US Pacific Command. The move comes amid renewed speculation over the tenability of the US rebalance to Asia, as focus is again directed towards the Middle East.
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.