Indian Ocean Security Threats on Par With Pacific: Wong

Unprecedented threats facing the Indian Ocean are just as serious as those confronting Pacific nations, with regional security, climate change, and humanitarian issues causing major concern, Australia’s foreign minister says. Penny Wong put a spotlight on issues in the vast waters to Australia’s west during a speech at the Indian Ocean Conference in Perth on Friday night. Some 400 delegates from 34 countries gathered for the conference, including Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Prosperity and peace were being challenged by a heightened risk of conflict over flare-ups and rising tensions in disputed areas, Ms. Wong said. Expanding military powers are taking a greater interest in the region, the foreign minister said, singling out China’s rapid military build-up while advocating for greater transparency....