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QUAD's Bold Steps for a Resilient and Secure Indo-Pacific
 The 2024 Quad Leaders' Summit, held in Wilmington, Delaware, U.S., on September 21, 2024, marked a significant step in strengthening cooperation among India, the U.S., Japan, and Australia. The summit addressed key regional and global issues, reinforcing the QUAD's commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Key outcomes include the QUAD Wilmington Declaration and the launch of the QUAD Cancer Moonshot, addressing cervical cancer in the region. Additionally, the Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI) aims to bolster maritime security, with India hosting a workshop in 2025. The summit also introduced the QUAD Indo-Pacific Logistics Network and the first-ever QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission, enhancing cooperation on security and logistics.
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Highlights
As part of the IPCSF, CUTS International hosted two webinars during this period:
- The Kaleidoscope of Geostrategic Powerplay: Assessing India's Role in the Indian Ocean Region on Wednesday, July 24, 2024
- Role of Civil Society Organisations in the Indo-Pacific Region on Wednesday, October 09, 2024.
In the first, experts discussed India's strategic importance in the Indian Ocean, highlighting geopolitical dynamics, trade routes, and security challenges. The panel emphasised the need for collaborative approaches among regional stakeholders to enhance stability and effectively respond to emerging issues, underscoring India's critical role in shaping the region's future.
In the second, experts highlighted the contributions of civil society organisations (CSOs) in disaster management, health, and emerging technologies. They emphasised the need for collaboration between CSOs and local governments, as well as the involvement of youth and effective governance, to address challenges such as climate change and economic disparities.
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Trade and Economic Affairs
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IPEF Agreements Enter into Force
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and ministers from 13 other Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) partners met virtually on September 23, 2024, to discuss the upcoming entry into force of three key agreements: the Clean Economy Agreement, Fair Economy Agreement, and Agreement on IPEF.
 These agreements, set to take effect in mid-October 2024, represent significant milestones in strengthening economic ties among IPEF partners. The ministers highlighted progress in various areas, including supply chain resilience, clean energy initiatives, and anti-corruption efforts. They also discussed ongoing collaborations through working groups, capacity-building programmes, and investment initiatives. This development underscores the IPEF partners' commitment to fostering economic growth, sustainability, and fair practices in the Indo-Pacific region.
(USDC, 23.09.24)
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Samsung's US$1.8B Vietnam OLED Expansion
Samsung Display Co, a subsidiary of South Korean electronics giant Samsung, is set to invest an additional US$1.8bn in a new organic light-emitting diode (OLED) manufacturing plant in northern Vietnam.
The facility, to be located in Yen Phong Industrial Park, Bac Ninh Province, will focus on producing advanced OLED displays for automobiles and technology equipment. This investment will elevate Samsung's total capital in Bac Ninh to US$8.3bn, up from the current US$6.5bn.
(VB, 23.09.24)
A Sustainable Biofuel Supply Chain
Japan, Australia, and nine Southeast Asian countries have agreed to establish an extensive Asian supply chain for producing and distributing sustainable fuels, focusing on biofuels and other renewable fuels. The member countries agreed to develop a roadmap for establishing supply chains for sustainable fuels, including biofuels, in anticipation of the region's growing demand for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The ministers also committed to sharing best practices for producing, distributing, and retail selling cleaner fuels.
(S&PG, 21.08.24)
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NZ Firms Boost Asia Trade on PM Mission
The business delegation travelled to Malaysia and Korea, supported by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, to strengthen relationships in the Indo-Pacific region. This visit aimed to diversify trade and bolster New Zealand's economic recovery. Clare Wilson emphasised the importance of developing strategic relationships to increase trade and investment. The delegation accompanied vital ministers, including Hon. Melissa Lee and Nicola Grigg.
(NZTE, 27.08.24)
Ministerial Talks on IPEF for Prosperity
On July 26-27, 2022, a Ministerial Discussion of the IPEF for Prosperity took place, with Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Koichi Hagiuda, representing the Japanese government. Hosted by the U.S., the meeting focused on four key areas: trade, supply chain resilience, decarbonisation and clean energy, and tax and anti-corruption. Minister Hagiuda highlighted the need for a balanced, rule-based approach to contemporary issues like digital technology, supply chains, and decarbonisation to foster the region's open, fair, and inclusive economic order.
(METI, 27.06.24)
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AUKUS: Japan Maritime Drone in Focus
After singling out Tokyo in April as a potential candidate for Pillar II projects, AUKUS leaders said in a joint statement that the two sides are 'exploring opportunities to improve interoperability of their maritime autonomous systems as an initial area of cooperation.' Maritime autonomous systems have been identified as an initial field in which Japan could collaborate with the U.S., Britain, and Australia under their AUKUS security pact. The U.S.-led grouping also launches talks with Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea to join its advanced capabilities programme, Pillar II.
(TJT, 18.09.24)
International Whaling Commission Meeting
The International Whaling Commission members gathered in Lima, Peru, to address the ongoing divide between those advocating for increased conservation efforts and those pushing for a return to commercial whaling. The first day concluded with the favourable decision to extend strike limits for Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling for an additional six years. Discussions also focused on challenges some countries face in obtaining visas and proposed changes to procedural quorum and voting rights rules. Updates on the Secretariat's work, population assessments, and conservation efforts were also presented..
(IWC, 27.09.24)
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Vision of Peace in the Indo-Pacific
President William Lai addressed Taipei's eighth Ketagalan Forum: 2024 Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue. The annual conference was an occasion for Lai to present his government's blueprint to build a prosperous and peaceful Indo-Pacific region before more than 200 delegates worldwide. In so doing, the president warned world leaders about the rise of authoritarian tendencies in different parts of the world. More to the point, while Russia invaded Ukraine and North Korea is threatening the peace and stability of northeast Asia, China's assertive posturing against Taiwan should not be seen as an isolated development.
(TT, 29.08.24)
2024 Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defence Conference
The 26th annual Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defence (CHODs) Conference, hosted by Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, concluded on September 20, 2024, in Kona, Hawaii. Senior military leaders from 28 countries and multinational organisations discussed regional security trends and explore future cooperation under the theme 'The Future Indo-Pacific: Building a Resilient and Interconnected Region.' Plenary sessions addressed safeguarding the international system, regional capacity building, emerging technology threats, and cybersecurity. The conference reinforced a commitment to protecting shared interests and enhancing security across the Indo-Pacific region.
(USIPC, 21.09.24)
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Summit of the Future: Leaders Reshape Cooperation
On September 23, 2024, world leaders and stakeholders convened in New York for the Summit of the Future, a pivotal event aimed at restructuring the multilateral system to address global challenges. The final day featured plenary sessions with over 130 high-level speakers and two interactive dialogues focusing on the global digital divide and intergenerational equity.
 Critical discussions included UN Security Council reform, the impact of global conflicts, strategies to leverage technology for sustainable development, and ensuring a better future for coming generations. The summit concluded by adopting outcome documents, including the Pact for the Future, emphasising the importance of creating a world that empowers all humanity.(IISD-ENB, 23.09.24)
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Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy & Defence Dialogue
 Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy & Defence Dialogue (AP4D), launched in November 2019, creates a new dimension in Australia's international policy-making by bringing together the development, diplomacy and defence communities. AP4D publishes option papers based on the results of expert consultations to set out a compelling vision and policy pathways. In this quarter, it launched a paper on 'What does it look like for Australia to Support Pacific Regionalism' and organised webinars on 'What does it look like for Australia to navigate a new era of economic statecraft in the Indo-Pacific' and 'Australia's preparedness for regional stabilisation missions.’
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Usanas Foundation
 Usanas Foundation is a geopolitics and security affairs organisation based in India which engages in a range of activities to produce an unbiased and cross-disciplinary analysis of global events. It facilitates the exchange of ideas, thoughts, experiences, and perceptions between the relevant stakeholders, giving a realistic and sensible framework, which we also call the 'Usanas framework' to decision-making. During the quarter, it organised virtual panel discussions on Carbon Neutrality and India's New Europe Outreach.
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The Kalinga Institute of Indo-Pacific Studie
 The Kalinga Institute of Indo-Pacific Studies (KIIPS) aspires to be a leading voice in diverse and inclusive research on issues affecting the Indo-Pacific region and the world. It aims to contribute to the academic and policy discourse and works towards developing the next generation of leaders and experts who will play a pivotal role in shaping a more peaceful, stable, and sustainable world. This quarter, KIIPS organised a panel discussion on 'Decoding Indo-Pacific: Views from Southeast Asia' and released a report on 'Ports with Chinese Characteristics.’
OpinioNative
 OpinioNative is a Māori owned social enterprise that provides actionable project, policy advisory, and research services in Aotearoa and abroad. It embraces being the first Māori social enterprise in Aotearoa dedicated to accelerating Indigenous connections in international trade policy, politics, and economic cooperation. It reaches globally across the public, private, tribal, and non-profit sectors. |
Raisina House
 Established in August 2020 to nurture and promote young thinkers to become tomorrow's thought leaders, Raisina House today remains India's only registered youth-led policy research think tank. It provides nonpartisan, independent analysis on matters of foreign policy planning, security strategy, strategic sectoral developments, climate mitigation and action, and economic and governance policies to facilitate Inclusive and informed decision-making across domains and tables. It regularly publishes research materials on governance, climate, technology, and sustainability.
TE TAUMATA
 TE TAUMATA is the premier authentic voice for Māori on trade between New Zealand and the rest of the world. Its extensive and experienced network works directly with Māori businesses to deliver better trade outcomes for Māori and a more prosperous future for its whānau and communities.
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Source: IISD-ENB: IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin; IWC: International Whaling Commission; METI: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; NZTE: New Zealand Trade & Enterprise; S&PG: S&P Global; TJP: The Japan Times; TT: Taipei Times; USDC: U.S. Department of Commerce; USIPC: U.S. Indo-Pacific Command; VB: Vietnam Briefing
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CUTS International
Copyright © 2024 CUTS International, All rights reserved.
CUTS International, D-217, Bhaskar Marg, Bani Park, Jaipur 302016, India. Ph: +91.141.2282821, Fx: +91.141.2282485,
E-mail: ipcsf@cuts.org , Website: https://cuts-global.org/
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