EU launches Indo-Pacific plan
(VOVWORLD) - The European Union set out a formal strategy on Thursday to boost its presence in the Indo-Pacific, pledging to deploy more ships to keep open sea routes.
Following an initial plan in April, the EU set out seven areas in which it would increase influence in the Indo-Pacific, in health, security, data, infrastructure, the environment, trade and oceans.
The plan may mean a higher EU diplomatic profile on Indo-Pacific issues, more EU personnel and investment in the region and a security presence such as dispatching ships through the South China Sea (called the East Sea in Vietnam), or putting Europeans on Australian patrols.
"Given the importance of a meaningful European naval presence in the Indo-Pacific, the EU will explore ways to ensure enhanced naval deployments by its member states in the region," the document said.