Recent Developments in the Maritime Security of the Asia Pacific: An Intelligence Perspective

Significant events after the 9/11 attack of the New York World Trade Centre and the Pentagon in the United States (US) has shaped the geopolitical and maritime security
scenario in the Asia-Pacific. Several security initiatives put in place such as the International Ships and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, the Container Security
Initiative (CSI) have changed the way trade and shipping is conducted. The War on Terror (WOT) by the coalition of the willing led by the US further add to the dimension of maritime security with the suggestion that shipping represents a very vulnerable target for terrorist attacks. With the increasing sophistication, implementation and improved equipment and weaponry used in pirate attacks, there is speculation of a nexus between pirates and terrorists and the danger this pose towards life and property in the Strait of Malacca and other chokepoints in the Asia-Pacific region. The vital Sea Lane of Communication (SLOC) between Indian Ocean, Europe and the Middle East to and the Pacific Ocean and thus North Asia and South East Asia is perceived as vulnerable to terrorist attack and thus warrants special attention and control by extra regional powers. The emergence of China, India, aside from Japan as new global players will further transform the regional landscape. Based on a combination of high economic growth,
expanding military capabilities and large populations further add new and unpredictable ingredients to the maritime security of the region. Non traditional security concerns often related to environmental pollution, drug smuggling, human trafficking, gun running and security implications of global climate change and disease pandemics complete the panoply of maritime security concerns of the Asia-Pacific region.