Policing the Pirate Straits

In this video clip, Robin Brant reports on Malaysian efforts to combat piracy in the Straits of Malacca, a vital global sea lane for the flow of goods, raw materials, and energy. Behind the scenes, the United States and Japan are driving the anti-piracy effort, for example by training Malaysian personnel.

It's interesting to speculate whether this American assistance is an example of the new US maritime strategy in action. As I wrote in this post:

"...a strategy is about ends, ways and means. A key end for the US maritime strategy is ensuring that energy (oil) flows smoothly from exporting countries to the US and its allies. The ways involve policing the world's strategic waterways and coastlines with a mix of force, cooperation, diplomacy and humanitarian assistance. And the means are the US maritime forces - the navy, marine corps and coastguard - working with like-minded navies and coastguards around the world." 

>> "Pirate Straits"

Comments

[Younghusband]

Japan and the US tried to horn in on the Strait years ago but the governments of Malaysia and Indonesia took a nationalist stance and roped Singapore into Operation Malsindo. The three countries decided that strait security was their responsibility and no one else's. Singapore is much more open to JA/US involvement, and recently Malaysia and Indonesia have become more willing to accept cash, boats and training from Japan and the US.

I think combatting piracy is a worthy and attainable goal in the Malacca Straits. However it is important not to overblow the threat piracy actually is. The real risk piracy poses for the straits can be found in skyrocketing insurance premiums. This is what will cause cargo to take alternative routes, increasing lead times for shipping.

Furthermore, maritime terrorism in the straits on the scale of the security punditocracy in the US and Japan is also extremely unlikely, and not helpful for longterm policy-making.

[Kotare]

I agree we shouldn't overstate either the piracy or terrorism threat. Piracy has been a way of life in the Straits of Malacca for centuries.

[Maris]

Your post raises new insights and points that people in general must be vigilant about.

I agree also with Younghusband's comment not to blow the piracy issue out of proportion.