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 National Security Advisor Susan Rice is meeting President Xi Jinping in China this week. Shannon Tiezzi argues that the visit has demonstrated the vastly different goals China and the US have for the relationship.
- Is China's Maritime Silk Road concept a masterstroke of economic diplomacy?
- Ahead of Xi Jinping's trip to the Maldives, Sri Lanka and India, Chinese diplomats deny seeking to contain India by military or other means.
- Are private security firms the answer to maritime security issues in the Indo-Pacific?
- Relatedly, the presence of Chinese security firms in Africa is increasing. What does this mean? (H/t @pipbrant).
- Although Jokowi is likely to take an Indo-Pacific approach to Indonesia's region, Sabam Siagian and Endy Bayuni ask whether Australia-Indonesia defence and security relations can move ahead in the absence of mutual trust.
- This BBC multimedia report looks at China's attempts build islands in the South China Sea to bolster its maritime territorial claims.
- Abhijit Singh argues that India needs to broaden its thinking on maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
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.