ASPI suggests
11 Mar 2013| and

Arch of Reunification is on the entrance of Pyongyang.Today’s a public holiday in Canberra so we’re taking a short break from regular blogging, but here’s our weekly round-up of news, reports and events in the defence, NatSec and strategy world.

First up, Dewi Fortuna Anwar’s NBR essay provides an Indonesian perspective on the US rebalance toward Asia. Take note of her concerns about the military dimension of the rebalance and Papua, and how Indonesia is hedging between the US and China.

How will sequestration affect the US Marine Corps? Marines Chief General James Amos says it’ll ‘cut into bone’. Troops deploying to Afghanistan will have the required resources, but with Marines deployed to Darwin, we’ll have to see what budget cuts mean for the rebalance efforts here.

Sticking with US defence budget cuts, the US Navy plans to ground four air wings and cancel eight ship deployments to help save the service USD$10 billion.

Analysis from CSIS on the UN Security Council resolution against North Korea this week. And China’s relationship with North Korea isn’t as straightforward as one might think; senior CCP members are wondering whether to ‘keep or dump’ their troublesome little neighbour.

In one of those strange echoes of history, the Falkland Islands are holding a referendum on whether to remain an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom.

Lost track of all of Asia’s maritime disputes? Feel like you might have a claim to an island or two? This hands-on video summary can help.

Events 

Canberra: Dr Bobo Lo will be talking about China and the world after the 18th party congress, addressing China’s foreign policy influences, bilateral relations and place in the ‘new world disorder’, Friday 15 March at 10am, ANU.

Don’t forget, if you’re interested in a career in national security, defence or intelligence, the Kokoda Foundation National Security Careers Night is on this Thursday 14 March from 5.15pm, register here.

Melbourne:  What is the future of ASEAN? Speaking on that topic will be Indonesia’s Ambassador to ASEAN, HE Gede Ngurah Swajaya, hosted by AIIA Victoria, Australia China Business Council and Baker & McKenzie on Tuesday 19 March 12pm at Baker & McKenzie’s William Street offices.

Image courtesy of Flickr user Mardruck.