US Coast Guard Plans to Increase Presence in Indo-Pacific
The U.S. Coast Guard has announced plans to deploy specialized forces, training teams, and other assets to the Indo-Pacific region. The move is intended to help allies in the region strengthen their ability to protect their exclusive economic zones and natural resources from exploitation. This information was included in the Coast Guard 2024 operational posture report, which was released on October 25.
Indo-Pacific: A Top Priority for the US
The report highlighted the Indo-Pacific region as a "top regional priority" for the United States. The region's geostrategic significance, its crucial role in global trade, and the necessity to maintain "a free, open, and rules-based maritime order" were cited as reasons for its importance.
The Coast Guard is planning to expand its presence and cooperation in Southeast and South Asia, focusing on advising, training, deployment, and capacity building. It also pledged to continue supporting its allies in their fight against "predatorial fishing practices."
Increasing Concerns Over China's Military Assertiveness
While the report did not directly mention China, it comes amid growing concerns over the country's military assertiveness in the region. The United States aims to enhance the capacity of regional coast guards to counter "malign influence," enforce their laws, and address their priority interests, including climate change.
The Coast Guard plans to deploy its National Security cutters to the Western Pacific and move the 270-foot Harriet Lane cutter to the Indo-Pacific. It also intends to maintain operations of fast response cutters and buoy tenders in Oceania.
China's Increasingly Coercive Behavior
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, during an October 18 press conference, warned of the potential global implications of China's "increasingly coercive" behavior in the Indo-Pacific. He emphasized the importance of cooperation with Indo-Pacific allies.
Austin also expressed concern over the growing alignment between Russia and China, including China's support for Russia's war against Ukraine. This alignment, he said, makes cooperation with Indo-Pacific allies more crucial than ever.
China's Aggressive Actions Against Neighboring Countries
China has faced criticism for its increasingly aggressive actions against its neighboring countries, particularly Taiwan, the Philippines, and Japan. Last month, China conducted joint military drills with Russian naval and air forces in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk. The drills were aimed at enhancing their strategic military cooperation and their ability to jointly respond to security threats.
US Announces Funding to Modernize Philippines Coast Guard
Last week, the United States announced $8 million in new funding to modernize the Philippines Coast Guard. The funding will be used to support infrastructure enhancement, training program development, and resource acquisition and management planning.
During a recent meeting, delegates from the two countries discussed ongoing cooperative efforts and ways to address maritime concerns in the disputed South China Sea. Both sides emphasized the importance of upholding the 2016 arbitral award on the South China Sea, which ruled in favor of the Philippines against China and declared that Beijing's sovereignty claims had no legal basis.
Bottom Line
The U.S. Coast Guard's plans to increase its presence in the Indo-Pacific region is a significant move in the face of growing concerns over China's military assertiveness. It underscores the importance of maintaining a free, open, and rules-based maritime order and the need for international cooperation in the face of potential threats. What are your thoughts on this development? Share this article with your friends and join the conversation. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, delivered every day at 6pm.
