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.
- New satellite images from CSIS show that China has started construction of runway on the contested Mischief Reef in the South China Sea. This follows the near completion of a 3000m runway on Fiery Cross Reef in July.
- On Arms Control Wonk, Catherine Dill has an excellent breakdown of the PLA's Second Artillery missiles that made an appearance at the World War II victory parade in Beijing earlier this month.
- At a major defence exhibition in London, Japanese and Chinese naval officers clashed over the South China Sea.
- Beijing's defence exports are growing beyond Asia with reports that it has offered to sell Egypt two submarines.
- North Korea has, again, issued a warning that it is willing to use its nuclear weapons at 'any time'.
- The US-2 amphibious search and rescue plane will likely be Japan's first major export under the countries revised defence principles. But is Japan still not a 'normal nation?'
- With a new prime minister in Australia, what will be the ramifications on the country's submarine project? Also the construction of India's new submarines are entering a critical phase.
- A new report worth reading from the Australia India Institute authored by David Brewster, China and India at Sea: A Contest of Status and Legitimacy in the Indian Ocean.