This conference focuses on the emerging concept of the Indo-Pacific, maritime tensions including in the East and South China seas, transnational security issues, the Indian Ocean, the role of Japan in particular as a regional security partner, and prospects for partnerships involving other countries. The National Security College convened this conference as part of a wider research and policy engagement project, with the support of the Embassy of Japan.
Welcome and introduction: Professor Rory Medcalf, Head, National Security College, The Australian
National University
Mr Murray McLean AO, Chairman, Australia-Japan Foundation, former Ambassador of Australia to Japan
Ambassador Sumio Kusaka, Ambassador of Japan to Australia
To what extent does the evolving regional balance of power require adjustments to the US led strategic order in the Indo-Pacific? What are the options in the interests of regional stability
and security? Are Australian and Japanese perceptions of the region, including the concept of the ‘Indo-Pacific’, converging? What does this mean for the Australia-Japan strategic relationship, including in the context of other important relationships?
Moderator: Professor Veronica Taylor, Dean, ANU College of Asia and the Pacific, The Australian National University
Speakers:
Professor Rory Medcalf, Head, National Security College, The Australian National University
Dr Masashi Nishihara, President, Research Institute for Peace and Security
Mr Graham Fletcher, First Assistant Secretary, North Asia Division, Department of Foreign Affairs
and Trade
