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.
- US Secretary of State John Kerry gave a speech in Vietnam this week, linking a deepening of relations between the two countries to further progress from Hanoi on human rights. The speech also marked the 20th anniversary of restored diplomatic ties.
- Tomorrow, Prime Minister Abe will give a speech marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. There a reports that a redraft of his speech will include the words 'apology' and 'aggression'.
- Meanwhile, Japan's constitutional security-sector reforms are drawing growing protests.
- Two South Korean soldiers have been maimed after stepping on land mines near their guard post on the DMZ. Seoul accused the North Korean military of planting the mines as an act of 'low-cost provocation'.
- A Chinese naval survey vessel has completed a global navigation tour, surveying 'three oceans (and) seven straits'.
- China has revealed concept drawings for its own version of mobile offshore bases.
- The sighting of Chinese submarines in the Indian Ocean has compelled the Indian Navy to increase the pace of its naval modernisation program, particularly in anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
- The US and Australia have placed an order for a further 29 Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft between them.