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.
- China has stated that its dredging activities in the South China Sea are almost complete, and that it will start the 'building of facilities to meet relevant functional requirements.' Oddly, the Chinese SOE that owns the dredgers is seeking a public listing and foreign capital investment.
- Meanwhile, Vietnamese officials have accused China of 'attacking' its fishermen in three separate incidents in the South China Sea over the past week. Malaysia sent a naval vessel to monitor Chinese coast guard ships around disputed island territory as well.
- Will the South China Sea be a 'bastion' for China's nuclear ballistic missile submarines?
- Australia and China have signed a free-trade agreement after ten-years of negotiations. Under the agreement, China will eliminate all tariffs on Australian energy and resource products, among others.
- India and Australia are likely to hold their first naval exercise later this year. A trilateral with Japan is still up in the air.
- In the South China Morning Post, David Shambaugh argues that the US and China are now in 'all-out competition'.
- North Korea is warning that it has been hit by it's 'worst drought in a century'.
- The White House is fighting back against opposition in Congress in regards to the Trans-Pacific Partnership.