Indo-Pacific security links: Jokowi, Fraser on Asia, North Korea, Yasukuni, sea levels and more

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.

• In his inaugural address, Indonesian President Joko Widodo touted the need to turn Indonesia into a 'global maritime axis.' It remains to be seen how this lines up with the prospect, suggested by Aaron Connelly, of him leaving much of his government's foreign policy-making to key advisers.
• Rory Medcalf argues that former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser's foray into contemporary foreign policy is predicated on, among other things, a misrepresentation of Asia which privileges a Chinese perspective at the expense of the rest of the Indo-Pacific.
• Despite renewed tension on the Korean peninsula following a recent exchange of gunfire, North Korea has unexpectedly released one of its three American captives.
• Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has again received strong rebuke from China and South Korea after he sent a ritual offering to the controversial Yasakuni shrine.
• Japan and Australia have officially begun talks on the joint development of a new advanced submarine, according to a report.
• As small island nations in the Pacific face uncertain fates due to rising sea levels, experts are looking to bold legal solutions with potentially important ramifications for maritime territorial disputes throughout 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.

Andrew Kwon