Naval enhancement in the Asia Pacific
Co-Chairs
CSCAP China, CSCAP India and CSCAP Japan
Considerations
This Study Group proposes to address issues arising from the enhancement of capacities/capabilities of maritime security forces, (both Navies and Coast Guards), in the Asia-Pacific region.
The role of Maritime Security forces in the Asia-Pacific region has undergone a significant change over the last decade or so. Entrusted with a pivotal position in the regional/coastal maritime security calculus, maritime security forces are in the process of evolving with enhanced capacities, improved capabilities and inventorial assets. The growth trajectories of most regional economies during the last decade or so, have generally (with some exceptions) led to a simultaneous rise in defence budgets particularly the budgetary allocations to maritime forces. Countries previously bereft of agencies like the Coast Guard have established such an organisation, simultaneously, those with existing Coast Guards have sought to enhance their efficacy and capability. Contextually, with this evolving paradigm the deployment patterns of such security forces have also been altered extensively. Prima facie maritime security forces are being used more often to support humanitarian relief missions beyond national waters, leveraging confidence-building measures and for projecting maritime influence.
Specific agenda
The specific agenda of this Study Group will be to:
- Review developments of the regional navies and coast guards in generic and specific terms;
- Explore the primary rationale for these developments;
- Identify the common reasons and concerns that might explain the developments and delineate the scope they provide for building cooperation, understanding and dialogue;
- Identify the risks associated with these developments, including the potential for a "conflict of interests" or escalation of tensions; and
- Evaluate the potential for Maritime Confidence and Security Building Measures (MCSBMs) that might promote regional security, enhance cooperation and reduce the risks of conflict and tension.
Outcomes
The outcome of the Study Group will be a short CSCAP Memorandum on the topic of naval enhancement in the region. An edited book of the papers presented at meetings of the Study Group might also be considered.
Meetings
The first meeting of this Study Group will be held on 25-26 May, 2009 in Singapore.
The second meeting of this Study Group was held on 27-28 March, 2010 in Auckland, New Zealand.