Although much has been said about Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy after US President Donald Trump put forward the broad and vague concept last November, nobody is really clear what it really means and its implications. Eight months have now elapsed. Some key features have emerged through speeches and comments by senior officials including US Defence Secretary Gen James Mattis in Singapore and Matthew Pottinger, Senior Director of Asian Department, National Security Council, in Yangon and Bangkok.
During their meetings with the Thai senior officials from Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently, Mattis and Pottinger envisaged a Indo-Pacific region that is free from coercion with its members able to protect their sovereignty and territorial integrity with respect for fundamental human rights and freedom. In addition, all nations are committed to reciprocal trade, rule of law and the peaceful resolution of disputes. That much was clear.
With this strategy, Washington hopes it will help to promote national strength and resilience of all countries in the region so that no country can dominate others. Mr Mattis and Mr Pottinger have also emphasised the pivotal role Asean would be able to play in promoting peace and prosperity in the region under the FOIP.
