Publication

This paper describes how the emergence of China and India as major global powers has not only transformed the regional geopolitical landscape, but also has created an increased dependence on the sea as an avenue for trade and transportation of energy and raw material. The author details how within the Southeast Asian region the Malacca, Sunda and Lombok Straits are the main sea lanes through which trade, energy and raw materials flow. The paper highlights the strategic and economic importance of the regional lanes and identifies several of the security threats against trade and maritime shipping in the Asian sea lanes.