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US commitment to Indo-Pacific strategy | The Straits Times
WASHINGTON – The Indo-Pacific remains the US military’s most consequential foreign theatre, the region’s top commander told members of Congress, dispelling concern that the movement of Asia-based munitions to the Middle East has undermined deterrence against China. “The Indo-Pacific is the defining strategic theatre of the 21st century,” Admiral Samuel Paparo, head of the US Indo-Pacific Command, said in a hearing of the Senate Committee on Armed Services on April 21.Adm Paparo was testifying amid criticism that the US’ dwindling weapon stockpile and shift in focus to the Middle East would weaken it in relation to the threat posed by China.He assured lawmakers that the military’s magazine was being “employed judiciously”, but said the way forward would be to “supercharge” the defence industrial base by engaging with both the traditional and non-traditional contractors that supply the US military.He also stressed that maintaining military alliances with Asian partners was indispensable in deterring Chinese and North Korean threats. Two weeks earlier, US President Donald Trump had criticised allies in Japan, South Korea and Australia for not helping him reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid the war in Iran.While not specifically referencing Mr Trump’s comments, Mr Roger Wicker, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, warned against disparaging the nation’s allies, even as its adversaries strengthen their own connections. “These alliances continue to pay dividends for the United States. People need to stop saying otherwise. It is not helpful when American leaders speak of our alliances with derision,” Senator Wicker said. The Mississippi Republican added that military operations in Iran should not take focus away from the Pacific theatre, with China still the biggest potential threat. “Amid those wars, we must remember this – China is the leader of the Axis of Aggressors. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) intends to and is capable of preventing an American-led 21st century,” he said, referring to China by its official name.Some Republicans at the hearings stressed the need for “burden sharing” and higher defence spending by allies. In an opening statement, Representative Mike Rogers, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, commended countries such as Japan, South Korea, the Philippines and Australia for upping military spending.At the House committee hearing on April 22, Adm Paparo declined to publicly comment on how long it would take for ...
Australia-Japan Ties Are Critical To Indo-Pacific Security
By Dr. Matthew Pajares-Yngson, Filipino Dominican diplomat and a Caribbean Asean Council envoy.On 18 April, Australia finalised its acquisition of 11 Mogami-class frigates from Japan in a $10 billion deal which Defence Minister Richard Marles called fundamental for the Royal Australian Navy.The frigates, the first three of which will be built in Japan, and the remaining eight in Western Australia, will significantly bolster Canberra's operational reach and maritime security.The announcement was soon followed by Prime Minister Takaichi's sweeping reforms Japan's arms export rules. Lethal weapons are now available for export, subject to case-by-case approval by the National Security Council. Previously, exports had been limited to five non-lethal categories.Australia's major naval purchase, and Japan's defence export rule change, are emblematic of a change in posture by both countries – one motivated by the growing and relentless threats to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).FOIP is a concept, envisioned in Tokyo, that seeks to uphold international order based on stability, the rule of law, and freedom of navigation comes under grave threat.It is in this context that deepened cooperation between Australia and Japan has become essential. Threats to the Indo-Pacific are driven by wider conflict in the Middle East, but also by dangers much closer to home: China and North Korea.Just last month, in a clear demonstration of its intent to destabilise the region, North Korea launched ten ballistic missiles capable of carrying weapons of mass destruction. In April, it fired another ballistic missile with a range of up to 700 kilometres.Most worrying is the persistent threat that an aggressive Beijing poses. Last year, China conducted live fire drills near the Australian seaboard and Chinese fighter jets dropped flares near one of Australia's maritime patrol planes.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed concern over the flare incident, while Defence Minister Marles has warned that maintaining FOIP is becoming increasingly challenging due to China's large-scale military buildup.Targeting Tokyo, Beijing recklessly locked on to Japanese fighter jets last year and has leveraged its economic might to reduce Japan's access to rare earths and dual-use goods.Of further concern is that China is expanding its preparations for potential conflict. It is currently conducting extensive seabed surveys across the Pacific, Indian, and Arctic Oceans, collecting data essential for s...
'The Indo-Pacific is the defining strategic theatre': How committed is ...
Facebook Twitter WASHINGTON - The Indo-Pacific remains the US military's most consequential foreign theatre, the region's top commander told members of Congress, dispelling concern that the movement of Asia-based munitions to the Middle East has undermined deterrence against China. "The Indo-Pacific is the defining strategic theatre of the 21st century," Admiral Samuel Paparo, head ...
Japan, Kenya Leaders Affirm Cooperation for Free, Open Indo-Pacific
The two agreed that Japan will provide steady support for the development of the Port of Mombasa, the largest port in East Africa. The Japanese government views Kenya as a "like-minded country" in realizing the free and open Indo-Pacific, or FOIP, vision.
