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Five-power defence group widens agenda

P. S. Suryanarayana

SINGAPORE: Five countries, with political stakes in the Asia-Pacific region, have agreed to coordinate the humanitarian efforts of their military forces to meet natural disasters.

Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are members of a formal Five-Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA). Meeting here at the level of Defence Ministers, the FPDA endorsed the Malaysian proposal for the creation of a rapid response regional centre for humanitarian relief and reconstruction in the wake of natural calamities. Non-lethal deployment of armed forces was also suggested.

The decision follows the recent move by the five to go beyond traditional security concerns and focus on maritime security as well to combat piracy and possible terrorism. In view of the maritime security focus, the FPDA invites observers from countries with the capabilities in this sphere. However, it has not so far invited Indonesia, India or China to join the group.

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