Strait safety gets a boost<\/p>\n
The Strait of Malacca's littoral states have taken a big step
\nforward in aligning the interests of the waterway's users more
\nclosely with their own primary concerns of security and
\nprotection from oil spills. Until the balance is struck right,
\nthere is a feeling the three countries could be hampered in
\nsecuring their own vital interests as navigational safety and the
\nprobability of terrorism grow in scope. But the shared
\nresponsibility implicit in decisions taken by Singapore,
\nIndonesia and Malaysia on Tuesday also places obligations on user
\nstates and shipping companies.<\/p>\n
In Batam, the three nations' foreign ministers said their
\ngovernments welcomed international technical support to improve
\nnavigational security. But this is not the same as letting
\noutsiders take over the show. In Kuala Lumpur, the respective
\ndefense chiefs agreed to start coordinated air surveillance to
\ncomplement sea patrols. Any outside assistance offered would be
\nplaced under their command. As a conduit for cargo and military
\ntraffic, the strait's vulnerability to terrorist incursions has
\ngrown in concert with China's economic expansion and America's
\nmilitary presence in Asian waters.<\/p>\n
These are not the only nations that would be pleased with the
\nsteps taken. The merchant fleets of Japan, Taiwan and South Korea
\nwill also benefit. Although a link between pirate syndicates and
\nterrorist groups has not been established, it is prudent to
\nassume they will morph into a common threat, either by design or
\nconvenience.<\/p>\n
Pirates should fear air patrols. But these can only be as
\neffective as the sophistication of the craft and equipment used.
\nMalaysian Defense Minister Najib Razak said he was open to offers
\nof planes and radar systems from governments of user states. This
\nis a significant change from Malaysia's old reluctance to accept
\nforeign help. But user states should be clear on one point: A
\ncommitment to reinforce strait security is in accordance with
\nmaritime law which recognizes the sovereignty and rights of the
\nlittoral states.<\/p>\n
For illustration, Malaysia and Indonesia oppose the idea of
\nU.S. forces or other militaries patrolling the strait. They can
\nbe a strong deterrent -- but will their presence inflame Muslim
\nradicals in those countries, possibly provoking terrorist
\nattacks? The littoral states would not be interested either in
\nhaving the waterway turned into a proxy proving ground between
\nthe U.S. and China.
\n-- The Straits Times, Singapore<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/strait-safety-gets-a-boost-1447893297",
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