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Indo-Pacific security links: Submarines, US Navy in Darwin, Arvind Kerjiwal, ASEAN and more

Indo-Pacific security links: Submarines, US Navy in Darwin, Arvind Kerjiwal, ASEAN and more
Published 12 Feb 2015   Follow @BrendanTN_

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.

  • Since the Liberal Party leadership spill earlier this week, the Australian submarine procurement process is seemingly in disarray. There are now reports that Japan is declining to share information regarding its submarine technology with Australia, citing security concerns.
  • India is also looking at the Japanese Soryu-class submarine for its navy, although the proposal is based on the submarines being built in an Indian shipyard.
  • Back in Australia, US Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan Greenert said the US Navy was considering rotating some of its amphibious assault ships through Darwin.
  • Is Japan's global soft power and public relations initiative misfiring?
  • Arvind Kerjiwal has swept local elections in Dehli. CFR's Alyssa Ayres on the ramifications for India's foreign and international economic policy.
  • Last week Senator John McCain urged officials in the Pentagon to decline an invitation from China to have one of the US Navy's aircraft carriers make a port call sometime this year. In what may be a blow to US-China military-to-military relations, the Pentagon duly agreed.
  • ASEAN is starting an official dialogue for the chiefs of their defence forces, and member states have also agreed to start multilateral military exercises.
  • Xi Jinping, as part of his anti-corruption drive across the Chinese central government, has warned senior PLA officers that any 'outside' income is strictly forbidden.


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