A few quick take-aways / key points from NL’s recently-released vision document on the Indo-Pac (IP). More analysis to follow soon in a proper article. (1/11)

NL IP geographic scope: incl littoral states of Indian/Pacific Ocean. But area of strategic interest to NL narrowed to Pakistan -> South Pacific. (2/11)

Areas of focus: RBIS; human rights; democracy; sustainable trade ( and diversified supply chains); security/stability; maritime and cyber domains; climate change; global health; and fighting poverty. (3/11)

NL to pursue IP policy through EU and bilat channels. Singles out EU for not having IP strategy vs other that do (even BRI/MSR = China’s IP Strategy). NL document offers policy rec’s for EU and NL. (4/11)

Great power comp in IP = new strategic approach needed to help IP (and NL) create space for strategic autonomy. Proactive/collaborative approach needed. (5/11)

Policy rec’s for EU/NL grouped around on security (esp digital/maritime domain); sustainable trade/econ devt; multilateralism/RBIS; sustainable connectivity; climate change/SDGs. Need to continue strong stance on human rights gets multiple mentions. (6/11)

Key partners for EU/NL in IP: Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan and India. NL specifically seeks closer coop w these countries + Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam. (7/11)

Good to see very strong focus on ASEAN throughout document. Clear ASEAN centrality is important for EU/NL. NL would like to accede to ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation to underscore its commitment to increase coop with ASEAN. (8/11)

Also proposes working through ASEM, ASEF, NATO global partners in IP (but does not include Pakistan). (9/11)

Expect a louder NL voice on SCS matters, UNCLOS and RBIS. Whether through EU or with Germany and France. Note: UK is not mentioned anywhere, but assume this falls under ‘like-minded partners’. Coop already growing b/w London and The Hague (eg maritime coop). (10/11)

NL will attend imp annual forums in the region, incl Shangri-Dialogue (cc: @MeiaNouwens) and Raisina Dialogue. NL will also participate in France and Germany’s ‘Alliance for Multilateralism’. (11/11)