- By Stingray, Thai Intel’s national security journalist
Perhaps, this China co-hosting of the ASEAN defense education institution meet, with the objective of seamlessly integrating national security knowledge across the ASEAN society-is part of a public relations strategy by China-to gain insights into how ASEAN will integrate national security issues, into the broader society. Obviously, the knowledge will be perfect for the Chinese to know how to inject pro-Chinese positions into ASEAN.
- If that is the Chinese real objective, then it is a marked improvement from saying its aircraft carrier, is for research.
A Thai soldier, famous in Thailand for his professionalism and pro-democracy position in a coup friendly Thailand, represented Thailand at the meet, and proposed a paper on, “A Strategy for Creating Defense Studies Community.”
- The following is about the 15th ARF HUDCIM Forum:
15th ARF-Heads of Defence Universities / Colleges / Institutions Meeting (ARF-HDUCIM)
The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) was established during the proceedings of the twenty-sixth ASEAN Ministerial Meeting and Post-Ministerial Conference that took place in Singapore on 23-25 July 1993. The purposes of the ARF are to enhance constructive dialogue and collaboration on political and security issues of mutual concern and interest of the participating nations and organizations and to make significant contributions towards confidence-building and preventive diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific region. The ARF currently consists of 27 member nations. These countries are committed to the goals and criteria of the forum.
ARF Heads of Defense Universities / Colleges/ Institutions Meeting is an annual gathering of officials from defense/military colleges and institutions of the ARF countries. Each of the ARF countries is represented by the head (or his/her representative) of a designated defense university or college or training institution. This forum aims to improve confidence building amongst ARF defense officials by networking its defense universities and colleges. It provides an opportunity for senior defense and military officers from the ARF countries to exchange views on matters of concern and to explore proposals on cooperation.
Over the past thirteen years, the ARF HDUCIM Forum has addressed issues such as: military operations other than war, dealing with the consequences of infectious diseases and natural disasters, enhancement of cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts, applications of war games.
For the first time ever, the meeting was co-chaired by the Indonesian Defence University represented by Lt Gen (Rtd) Dr. Syarifudin Tippe and the China PLA National Defence University represented by its President, Gen Wang Xibin. The theme for this conference was ‘Enriching and Transforming Asian Militaries: Communication, Cooperation, Coordination’ with 3 general topics; a) Achieving Best Practice, b) Making A Societal Contribution and c) Supporting Security. Focusing on the theme, presentations were delivered by participating countries, including question and answer sessions, as well as presentations by senior Indonesian defense officials and academics.
The outcomes of these presentations and discussions centred around enhancing the ability of professional military educational institutions to develop deliver and review educational “best practice” through inter-institutional and multinational dialogue, support and cooperation. It also highlighted the possibilities of integrating professional military educational institutions seamlessly into the overall knowledge architecture of the region – in order to advance knowledge across all sectors of society – by working more closely and harmoniously with civilian institutions in terms of research, development and publication. One highlight of the meeting was a paper presentation given by Capt Inf. Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, the son of the incumbent President of Indonesia, on perspectives from a junior officer on ‘Strategies for ensuring the wider community is able to appreciate and access the results of defence activities’.
The meeting also included tours and cultural immersion activities to some of the popular tourist spots on the island of Bali. At the meeting’s closure, it was announced that China would host the 16th ARF HDUCIM in 2012.
Related articles
- ASEAN Defense: Thailand’s largest discussion board, Pantip, is “Buzzing” with Thai Intel’s CIA report (thaiintelligentnews.wordpress.com)
- ASEAN Defense: CIA says “Thailand weak link in ASEAN defense, ready to help ASEAN arms industry” (thaiintelligentnews.wordpress.com)
- ASEAN Defense: Vietnam orders two Russian “Stealth Frigates” with Cambodia showing interest (thaiintelligentnews.wordpress.com)
- ARF makes a contribution (search.japantimes.co.jp)
- ASEAN News: ASEAN to meet in Philippines for “Legal Framework” on Pacific Waters “Zone of Peace, Freedom & Cooperation” (thaiintelligentnews.wordpress.com)
Leave a Comment
No comments yet.
