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.
- A new report on the PLAN has been released by the US Office of Naval Intelligence. Here are five charts that break down what the report says about the pace of Chinese naval expansion. Andrew Erickson has analysis of the report on War on the Rocks.
- Also, some may have missed this piece on China's 'maritime militia'.
- Following on from his excellent profile of Xi Jinping in The New Yorker, Evan Osnos has written a short piece on the time Xi's daughter spent in America.
- A debate has been raging in the Indian media over a report that claims Pakistan possesses 10 more nuclear weapons than India. But the number is often not as important as the way they are deployed.
- Are the US and South Korea split over the potential threat posed by a nuclear North Korea?
- Negotiations between Japan and the US are intensifying in an effort to complete the TPP.
- Indonesia wants regular naval exercises with the US in the South China Sea.
- Lastly, the US Navy is planning on deploying the first underwater drone from a submarine later this year.