Greetings Colleagues,

The Consortium is pleased to share its latest newsletter for the Indo-Pacific. Press reply button for your feedback and comments.

China's newly approved foreign relations law aims at countering the U.S.

China has recently passed a foreign policy legislation on June 28, 2023. This legislation allows China to take "corresponding countermeasures and restrictive measures" against any actions that may endanger China's sovereignty, security, and development interests, as well as violate international law. With this law in place, China’s XI now has more power to target the United States and the West under the pretext of “West Containment,” Read More

U.S.-Japan Extended Deterrence Dialogue hosted at Whiteman Air Force Base.

The United States and Japanese officials held the Extended Deterrence Dialogue meeting at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri on June 26-27, 2023. Extended Deterrence is the core of the U.S.-Japan alliance, established in 2010. The two countries discussed their views on the security situation in the region, the potential for strategic arms control, and reducing risks. They evaluated the conventional and U.S. nuclear capabilities that contribute to regional Deterrence. They emphasized the significance of improving the Alliance's force posture and activities to enhance deterrence effectiveness. Read More

Prospects of security cooperation between Taiwan and Philippines

Taiwanese Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu has mentioned the possibility of security collaboration between Taiwan and the Philippines due to the common threat in the South China Sea. In addition, both countries can cooperate on coast guard operations and disaster response. Under President Marcos Jr., the relationship between Taiwan and the Philippines has evolved as both countries have exerted pressure on China's assertiveness in the region. Read More

China-New Zealand relations is of 'great importance' - Xi Jinping

New Zealand PM Chris Hipkins visited Beijing with a business delegation on June 27,2023 to promote trade with China. Chinese Premier Xi praised China-New Zealand relationship and said, “China always views New Zealand as a friend and a partner.” New Zealand wants to maintain close economic ties with China to support its economic recovery whilst walking on a tightrope in geopolitical tension amid the U.S. and China in the region. Read More

Readout of Indo-Pacific Economic Framework

Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) virtual ministerial meeting was attended by the delegates of Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. In this meeting the U.S. Department of Commerce announced that the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) approved $300 million in financing for sustainable infrastructure project. Read More

Indo-Pacific Quiz

1.   How many countries are members of the U.S led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)?

2.   Where is Diego Garcia located?

Consortium highlights

Podcast

Cost-Benefit Analysis of China’s investment in Latin America (Vanguard Indo-Pacific Podcast Link)

July 1^st, 2023

Book Talk [Upcoming]

“The Bay of Bengal: Geo-Politics and the Quad” on July 7^th, 2023 @ 10:00 AM EST (Register Link)

Zoom Link (Please join at the time of Event)

Contributions: Indu Saxena