Publication

This paper addresses the issue of the naval arms buildup in the Asia Pacific region and the frequently expressed fears that it might turn into an all-out arms race. The authors identify the following three problems: a genuine naval arms race already occurring between the PRC and Taiwan; the historical precursors of an arms race in place throughout Northeast Asia; and a clear danger of an inter-ASEAN naval arms race. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need to put in place official mechanisms to enhance cooperative maritime security, consisting of a combination of confidence building and risk reduction measures together with multinational naval cooperation leading toward full-scale maritime security regimes.