Where next for EU security policy in the Asia-Pacific?

Summary

​​​​​​Late in 2021, The EU strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific was launched. James Crabtree looks at its implications. Key points:

• Supports similar strategies from France, Germany and the Netherlands.
• As president of the European, Council France is focusing on Asia.
• The EU has a €300 billion ‘Global Gateway’ infrastructure plan that competes with China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
• The EU wants the ability to act successfully in an era of growing geopolitical tension between the US, China and others.
• The EU strategy mentions the risks of economic coercion by China and its military build-up.
• Coordination of European militaries is being considered.
• CRIMARIO maritime information-sharing programme expanded into the South Pacific.

Limitations

• The EU has no navy of its own.
• Only France has a longstanding regional security presence.
• Limited resources mean a limited presence for the foreseeable future.
• The Indian Ocean has been the focus to date.

Opportunities

• A French proposal to adopt a new ‘strategic compass’ strategy to guide EU defence cooperation may be a model for the Asia-Pacific. 
• A permanent or persistent Indo- Pacific naval presence is possible.
• The strategy document says it would be ‘interested’ in developing Quad ties concerning climate change but not security. 
• European vessels could increasingly participate in maritime deployments led by others.

Worth noting and remembering the following:

• A European Aircraft carrier has previously been proposed.

References

Recent Runway Posts related to this topic:

• Germany's Scholz seals deal to end Merkel era | The Runway (airforce.gov.au)

• South China Sea: why France is flexing its muscles in the contested waters | The Runway (airforce.gov.au)

• Britain tilts towards the Indo-Pacific | The Runway (airforce.gov.au)

• Germany plans a greater peace and security role in the Indo-Pacific |The Runway (airforce.gov.au)

• Why New Caledonia's future is in limbo even though the overwhelming majority voted to stay with France | The Runway (airforce.gov.au)

References from the Web:

• SEP 2021 Europe’s Indo-Pacific embrace: Global partnerships for regional resilience | Perth USAsia Centre
• NOV 2021 As Europe looks to the Indo-Pacific, so does the Luftwaffe | DefenseNews
• DEC 2021 The EU in the Indo-Pacific: A New Strategy with Implications for ASEAN | ISEAS
• DEC 2021 German frigate isn’t in the Indo-Pacific as a part of a carrier strike group, says navy chief | CNBC
• JAN 2022 Germany Nervously Tests the Indo-Pacific Waters | FP (ForeignPolicy)
• JAN 2022 The EU’s Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific | Sasakawa USA

Source Information: International Institute for Strategic Studies

• Article Source:|  International Institute for Strategic Studies | IISS
• Media Check: Who we are | International Institute for Strategic Studies | IISS
• Learning Outcomes: RUNWAY TOPICS: LEARNING OUTCOMES | The Runway (airforce.gov.au)