Maritime Security

Promoting International Cooperation Against Piracy and Terrorism at Sea

The issue of piracy has been endemic in the Malacca and Singapore Straits. Of particular concern is the violent and vicious pirate attacks involving hijacking, hostage taking and ransom. In the wake of such incidents as the bomb blast in Bali and the bomb attack against a tanker at a Yemeni port during 2002, it becomes clear that neither this region nor the maritime field is free from fear of global terrorism. Not only those attacks endanger lives and property, but also such attacks in narrow channels like the Straits could have devastating effects on overall maritime safety.

International law enforcement cooperation among the countries involved is vital for an effective fight against piracy and terrorism at sea. Cooperation, in the form of greater dialogue and information exchange between the relevant law enforcement agencies, would help make the seas of Southeast Asia a safer place for vessels and crew.

While Japan has been taking several initiatives like offering to co-host regional expert meetings on anti-piracy, conducting joint exercises with pertinent maritime safety authorities, it further seeks areas of cooperation in the field of maritime security.