US Pacific Command is now US Indo-Pacific Command: Trump admin
The Trump administration today renamed the US Pacific Command to US Indo-Pacific Command in recognition of the increasing connectivity between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The latest announcement was made by US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis during the change of guard ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor wherein Admiral Phil Davidson replaced Admiral Harry Harris as the Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command or IndoPacom.
Growing importance of Indian Ocean in US strategic thinking
Referring to the 2018 National Defense Strategy which acknowledges Pacific challenges and signals America's lasting commitment to the Indo-Pacific, Mattis said America's vision is shared by most nations in the region. The move also reflects the growing importance of the Indian Ocean in US strategic thinking. Earlier, the Trump administration renamed the Asia Pacific as Indo-Pacific, identifying India as one bookend of the region.
Mattis takes a dig at China's OBOR
Taking a dig at China's one belt one road initiative, Mattis said, "Fair and reciprocal trade are not bound by any nation's predatory economics or threat of coercion, for the Indo-Pacific has many belts and many roads." He added that while they are prepared to face any who would seek to challenge America's resolve, their National Defense Strategy is not a strategy of confrontation.
US to seek peace from position of strength: Mattis
Mattis said, "We will also continue further strengthening existing alliances and fostering new partnerships in the region to reinforce a resilient security architecture capable of confronting shared threats." He added that the US stands by its partners and support their sovereign decisions because all nations are essential to the region if they are to sustain stability in ocean areas.
