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| US Launches New Maritime Security Initiative at Shangri-La Dialogue 2015 |
In his speech, Carter articulated the U.S. vision for a stronger regional architecture in the Asia-Pacific to address shared challenges comprising five elements:
The address built on recent remarks by Carter and other U.S. defense officials on ‘the next phase’ of the U.S. rebalance to the Asia-Pacific (See: “TPP as Important As Another Aircraft Carrier: Defense Secretary”).
- reaffirming long-standing rules and norms;
- strengthening regional institutions;
- modernizing alliances and partnerships;
- enhancing capacity-building; and
- improving connectivity.
The Secretary also announced a $425 million dollar Southeast Asia Maritime Security Initiative to fund partner capacity building in the region. Carter’s speech follows upon a stronger stand by the United States in the South China Sea including a widely publicized P-8A Poseidon flight over reclaimed reefs which recorded Chinese attempts to ward off the plane from overflight and strong statements issued by President Obama, Secretary Kerry, and Secretary Carter.
The Two Words that Explain China’s Assertive Naval Strategy | Foreign Policy
The just-completed Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore dwelt largely on China’s maritime ambitions, zeroing in on its construction of artificial islands in the South China Sea. In his keynote address, U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter vowed to “continue to protect freedom of navigation and overflight principles that have ensured security and prosperity in this region for decades.” There should be no mistake, continued Carter, that “the United States will fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows, as U.S. forces do all over the world.” The United States, its allies, and its partners will exercise “the rights of all nations” to their fullest, he said. That the U.S. secretary of defense traveled to the far side of the world to speak so bluntly shows how seriously Washington takes the China challenge.
Transposed to the offshore realm, active defense means sniping at U.S. Pacific Fleet reinforcements steaming to the relief of Japan, Taiwan, or some other beleaguered ally during a conflict. U.S. Pacific Fleet expeditionary forces would arrive in the theater battered and overextended.
Document: China's Military Strategy - USNI News
Luring U.S. Navy expeditionary forces in deep while pummeling them with missiles and torpedoes would help even the force balance. Active defense would grant PLA commanders some prospect for victory should a major fleet action transpire off Asian coasts.
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