By William Hobart, a Lowy Institute International Security intern. 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 ongoing search for missing airliner MH370 draws attention to strategic importance of the Andaman Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean, the limits of ASEAN maritime cooperation and inadequacy of airspace monitoring in the region
- France threatens to withdraw the sale of two Mistral-Class flat-top vessels if Russia plans on extending its military intervention in Ukraine. One of these new ships, the Vladivostok, is scheduled to enter service into Russia's Pacific fleet this year.
- Japan weighs into the Crimea crisis by imposing sanctions against Russia in protest of the Kremlin's recognition of the weekend referendum. This includes a suspension of an accord aimed at preventing risky military activities.
- The Indo-Pacifc accounted for 47% of all weapons imports between 2009 and 2013, followed by the Middle East with 19%, according to the SIPRI's Trends in International Arms Transfers. India leads the way with 14% of total global imports.
- Taiwan's first 'aircraft carrier killer' was delivered last week, the first of up to a dozen 500-ton corvettes equipped with anti-ship missiles. Meanwhile Japan will take delivery of the last two Akizuki-class destroyers, completing the order made by the Maritime Self Defence Force in 2007.
- The Philippines welcomes a return of the US military by allowing base access amid enduring maritime tensions with China.
- Japanese artists and filmmakers have led a surge in the depiction of wartime events, highlighting the range of perspectives on its controversial history, amid heightened lobbying by Korea and China for Japan to adjust the 'official' narrative.
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.