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.
- The Economist on how the growing friendship between Vietnam and the US reflects internal political division in Hanoi.
- A question on the minds of many Indo-Pacific watchers recently: does China have an Indian Ocean strategy?
- Mira Rapp-Hooper from CSIS on how US extended nuclear deterrence in the Indo-Pacific may intersect with regional maritime disputes.
- Late last week, the Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Michael Thawley, said China was not ready to take on a global leadership role. Former Australian foreign minister Bob Carr has written a response: 'We should celebrate our relationship with China'.
- This week US Strategic Command flew two B-52 Stratofortresses on a 44-hour round trip from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana to the Northern Territory in Australia and conducted training exercises with the Australian military.
- Thailand's Navy has approved the purchase of three submarines from China, totaling US$1.1 billion. Beijing may be having a bumper year, considering Pakistan's renewed efforts to buy eight submarines.
- Following last week's Economist article on growing pirate activity in Southeast Asia, Singapore has received the first of eight new counter-piracy littoral combat ships.
- Taiwan held its World War II 70th anniversary parade earlier this week, which was aimed at asserting its claim over China in defeating Japan.
- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe may be facing a backlash within his own party against his attempts at security reform.