Submarine programmes top SE Asian wish lists

Viewed from a maritime perspective, the countries of Southeast Asia are positioned between two regional powers – China and India – that have both the economic and demographic potential to achieve a global military status.

To the north, China is flexing its financial muscles and increasing the size and capabilities of both its surface and subsurface fleets; to the west, India is making slow but steady progress as it seeks to recapitalise its ageing fleet and establish an indigenous naval industrial complex.

Both of these nuclear-armed states regard Southeast Asia as key to their national security. In this region lies one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints, the Strait of Malacca, through which passes the majority of seaborne trade between the Far East on one side and southern Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East on the other.

Read more