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 US Department of Defense released its annual assessment of China's military capabilities last week. The report details some significant advances in drone, carrier and missile technologies.
- Following statements from US military commanders earlier this year, the report also reaffirms the US military's view that China will begin nuclear submarine deterrence patrols by the end of the year.
- Meanwhile, nuclear doctrines may begin to shift in other areas of the Indo-Pacific, such as India.
- China's Foreign Minister visited India this week. Much of the attention was on trade and economic relations, but unresolved issues over borders and Tibet may yet prove to be serious obstacles in the relationship.
- Michael Green and Nicholas Szechenyi recently released a new survey of elite policy-maker's expectations of the future regional order in Asia. Mike Green (also a Lowy Institute Nonresident Fellow) also said in a recent Wall Street Journal interview that the way Washington views Japan's security role in Asia may be changing.
- Nicole Yeo at CNAS argues that while both Japan and China say they intend for their force postures to reinforce peace and stability in the region, it would be more useful if they both admitted that in reality they are part of the problem.
- Open Source IMINT has some satellite images of Vietnam's new Kilo-class submarines, located in Cam Ranh Bay near the Spratly Islands.
