ENHANCING MARITIME SECURITY COOPERATION
Admiral William Fallon, USN
Commander, US Pacific Command
Introduction
Thank you John for your kind introduction.
Ministers, distinguished officials, colleagues and guests. I would like to particularly acknowledge my co-panelist the Honorable Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Razak.
Thanks to our hosts here, the people of Singapore, for your gracious hospitality and to the Institute for organizing the 4th edition of this event.
It’s a pleasure to be in Singapore attending my first Shangri La Dialogue. During my first three months at U.S. Pacific Command, I’ve heard much about the importance of this forum and the meaningful contributions John Chipman and the Institute have facilitated for all of us in the Asia – Pacific region.
It’s evident that the Institute has helped bring understanding and clarity to some of the region’s most significant challenges. A clear view of issues and approaches is fundamentally important for security, and to enable the stability, opportunities and economic prosperity which we seek for our nations.
That necessary transparency reminds me of a story I heard at some point in my naval career…
It seems that a ship captain was on the bridge of his tanker one foggy night. Off the bow, his lookout spotted a faint white light…dead ahead. Concerned, the captain directed radio contact be made with this unknown vessel to arrange a safe passage.
As the light grew brighter, the captain called with growing urgency to have the veiled contact turn away in order to avert collision.
Finally, a voice responded to the radio messages…but instead of agreeing to turn away…directed the tanker to maneuver immediately.
Exasperated by the reply, our captain picked up the microphone himself and said, “This is the captain of a ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND TON supertanker. My maneuverability is limited and it takes miles for me to stop this vessel…I strongly urge that you maneuver now!”
A voice from the unknown contact called back and said, “Well this is the master of a lighthouse…and I suggest you decide to turn!”
Rumor of that tanker actually being an aircraft carrier under my command are not to be believed!
Though that story not be entirely true, it does illustrate a couple of key points about maritime security challenges. First, we do not have a clear view of the sea space. Unseen threats can develop. We have much better clarity and knowledge about what is flying in the skies and along our land borders than the maritime frontiers. Second, when problems do arise, recent events prove we can be taken by surprise.
For example, the attacks on USS COLE and MV LIMBURG off Yemen, the capture of operative Abd al Rahman al Nashiri in 2002, exposing Al Qaeda plans for multi-pronged maritime attacks, and the 2004 bombing of SUPER FERRY 14 in the Philippines.
The Need for Maritime Security
This audience is well aware of the importance of the Great Maritime Commons. We depend on the seas for food and security, for energy and mineral resources, for transit and trade.
This island nation of Singapore sits adjacent one of the world’s busiest waterways, through which flows 50% of its oil and fully 1/3 of world commerce.
On today’s globalized planet, the vast oceans and crowded littoral waters present a dichotomy of essential personal and economic sustenance on the one hand, and on the other, the very real security challenge of immense areas of ungoverned or weakly controlled space.
For both dimensions of the challenge, maritime security is essential.
Addressing the Issue
Much is being done. Two years ago, this forum addressed the issue and a maritime regional security initiative was launched.
Port security has been tightened around the world. The contents and movement of shipping containers are closely scrutinized.
Regional efforts such as the Western Pacific Naval Symposium, trilateral coordinated Strait of Malacca patrols begun last summer by Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, and the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Anti-Piracy and Armed Robbery against ships in Asia (or ReCAAP) under sponsorship of Japan, are moving forward.
In March of this year, Singapore and the U.S. co-hosted an ASEAN Regional Forum Confidence Building Measure on Regional Cooperation in Maritime Security.
From the work done to date and from the expanding discussions of increasingly interested parties, the way ahead is becoming better defined.
Considering what I’ve observed over the past three months traveling this important region, and based on the helpful understanding many of you have provided to me personally over the course of this conference, the following points are evident.
First, the importance of the maritime domain and need for enhanced maritime security is compelling. As Prime Minister Lee pointed out Friday evening, the threat is “real and urgent.”
Second, the surest and most effective results will be through collective efforts. Third, although much has been done, and many steps have been taken together… more work remains.
The Way Ahead
Several speakers have suggested a three-point framework for approaching cooperative efforts in regional maritime security:
- There are roles for both nations and non-governmental, international organizations.
- Littoral states should bear primary responsibilities.
- Sovereignty must be recognized.
I can support these principals and believe we should focus action in the following areas.
Close cooperation among nations and between maritime organizations, both state and non-governmental is essential.
With due respect for national sovereignty, organizational and operational issues should be priority items for agreement and exercise.
Information exchange, to build better situational awareness using available and affordable technology could illuminate the shadowy world of criminal as well as terrorist activity which exploits the gaps and seams of the maritime domain.
A common operational picture, enabling partners to identify and track the who, what, and where at sea is the cornerstone of effective regional cooperation.
Pacific Command can facilitate maritime security efforts. Working closely with other U.S. agencies and organizations, we can—and will—offer capabilities and cooperation to address the difficult problems before us.
Working collectively, nations can bring their individual capabilities, skills and areas of expertise to bear. We should work to encourage transparency and trust and find ways to incentivize cooperative behavior.
Nations seeing benefit from their contribution will be more likely to accept responsibility to support collective efforts.
Conclusion
Now is the time to identify the practical steps we should take…steps that play to the unique capabilities we enjoy, developed out of a sense of voluntary participation, agreeable to our people, and taken in a manner that recognizes the gravity of the challenge and the mutual benefits of our collective success.
I look forward to working personally with you on this challenge of maritime security. The PACOM Chiefs of Defense Conference to be held this October in Honolulu Hawaii will provide another opportunity for military leaders to review progress and adjust course as required. I hope you will be able to join us.
Thank you for your kind attention.
