MEN IN WHITE SHINE
A COLLECTION of the world’s most powerful people met in Darwin’s Parliament House yesterday as Exercise Kakadu kicked off.
With a view over the harbour filled with warships from dozens of countries, the admirals representing 27 different countries came together to discuss naval warfare strategies and ideas.
Australian fleet commander, Rear Admiral Jonathan Mead spoke to the group, arguing the 14-day exercise needed to promote confidence, co-operation and capability in the region.
“From the smallest island nations to the largest global superpowers, we all prosper from greater maritime security — built on the foundation of agreed rules for how all nations behave at sea,” he said.
“Respect for freedom of navigation must be maintained by all nations, particularly through our complex area.”
It is the first time the navies from China, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the Cook Islands, Sri Lanka and Chile have been involved in the exercise. China has previously been involved as an observer but will this year be an active participant.
For the Sri Lankan navy, travelling between their country and Darwin was the furthest they’ve ever gone for an exercise.
Noticeably, the Chinese and US admirals were seated at opposite sides of the conference table, and were not seen chatting at any stage.
Rear Admiral Mead said the Indo-Asia-Pacific region was becoming the world’s focus.
“As a result, the increasing- ly complex, dynamic and evolving global maritime security environment underscores the need to strengthen relationships and build partnerships in order to promote a free and open international order,” he said.
“Without strong relationships and co-operation, we are all hard-pressed to respond to the needs of the region — needs such as humanitarian aid, disaster relief, counterpiracy and search and rescue.”
Exercise Kakadu will continue for two weeks.
We all prosper from greater maritime security REAR ADMIRAL JONATHAN MEAD