Capt Oum Sang Ohn, Cambodian Navy and Col. Tran Quang Khue, Vietnamese Army, examine a periscope during a Japanese submarine tour.

"I believe that each national naval force can make
a significant contribution by maintaining open lines
of dialogue on the issue of regional security."

Minister Fumio Kyuma, Japan Defense Agency

____________________________________________________

The 5th Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) was held in Tokyo, Japan, hosted for the first time by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). Participating member nations included Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, the United States, and Vietnam. Canada and France also participated as observers.

Established in 1988 to promote mutual understanding and naval cooperation in the Western Pacific region, WPNS is the only high level Western Pacific naval forum at which regional navies meet and discuss common challenges. WPNS grew out of the biennial U.S. Chief of Naval Operations-hosted International Seapower Symposium (ISS). Australia hosted the first symposium in Canberra in 1988. In the words of Australia’s then governor-general, Sir Ninian Stephen, "The symposium is not concerned with conflict but the creation of a new threshold of communication and understanding among the navies and nations of the Western Pacific." The second symposium was held in 1990 in Thailand, followed by the U.S.-hosted third WPNS in 1992. Malaysia hosted the pivotal 1994 symposium that refocused WPNS efforts on Confidence Building Measures. Since that first symposium, WPNS has gradually shifted from Cold War-era issues to broader topics such as maritime security, rescue at sea, preventing pollution of the seas and increased transparency. One theme has remained constant throughout the years: promoting mutual understanding and naval cooperation.

Adm. Natsukawa, Chief of Staff, JMSDF, enthusiastically began the conference by challenging delegates to continue identification and adoption of confidence building measures. Adm. Natsukawa saw this as an important first step for regional navies to aggressively promote interaction and for each member nation to contribute whatever it could toward regional security and stability. Several chiefs of navy, regional fleet commanders, and other senior flag and high level officers representing 18 member and two observer countries attended the symposium, making this the largest ever turnout of naval chief of staff level officers.

After approving Russia’s membership in WPNS, the symposium was broken down into four parts, consisting of: an overview of the 5th WPNS Workshop; Global and Regional Situation; Maritime Cooperation for Confidence Building; and General Discussions. On the third day, attendees toured JMSDF ships and facilities.

Earlier in 1996, Japan also hosted the 5th WPNS Workshop. Conducted in a frank and cordial manner, the workshop achieved its intended objective of enhancing cooperation between navies of the Western Pacific region. Overall, the meeting fostered mutual understanding and a strong sense of camaraderie among participants. This working-level group took ideas and topics from previous workshops and symposia and expanded them for presentation at the high-level meeting.

Col. Fetu’Utolu Tupou of Tonga chaired the Global and Regional Situation session, at which China, the Philippines, and the Republic of Korea shared their countries’ respective views. The underlying theme of their presentations focused on past, current and future challenges to continued regional stability and prosperity in this post-Cold War era.

Lt. Col. Peter Ilau of Papua New Guinea chaired the first sub-session of the Maritime Cooperation for Confidence Building, "Significance of Confidence Building Measures." The presenters were Brunei, Russia and Vietnam. All three countries identified common confidence building measures of mutual trust, openness in dialogues, better understanding and greater cooperation, and resolution of disputes that could be adopted by member countries. Spirited discussion followed these particular presentations, dealing with the status of regional multilateralism, international law, and the importance of consultation and open dialogue.

Rear Adm. C. Y. Richard Lim of Singapore chaired the "Enhancement of Naval Exchange" session. Examples of exchange programs were briefed by Australia, Indonesia, and the United States. The exchanges included personnel at all levels, staff colleges, tours of naval facilities, and cooperative operations and publications. Rear Adm. Lim opened discussions by stressing the importance of personnel exchanges, especially at the senior officer level. Dynamic comments included the need for accessibility to common publications on exercises and operations, unit exchanges, and maximizing mutual benefits while curbing extraneous costs. In addition, the use of modern technology and scheduling conferences were discussed. All delegations agreed to research and identify areas where navy-to-navy relations could be established or improved.

In remarks to the symposium members the next day, Minister Fumio Kyuma, Director General of the Defense Agency, stated, "The Western Pacific encompasses a vast expanse of waters. In light of the fact that the well-being of the region depends in large measure on trade between its nations, I believe that each national naval force can make a significant contribution by maintaining open lines of dialogue on the issue of regional security." He further invited members to "cultivate stronger bonds of trust with each other through dialogue and exchanges and enhance the transparency of the armament and defense policies of the nations of the region."

Adm. Archie Clemins, Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet, also chaired a sub-session entitled "Improvement of Transparency among WPNS Navies." Malaysia, New Zealand, and Thailand briefed their thoughts on notification of naval activities and exercise observation, naval programs, and naval defense programs. Transparency is an oft-quoted term that may mean different things to different countries; therefore, delegates gave examples of what they thought were the most important mechanisms for improving transparency. Recording achievements of what navies already do together, using advanced technology such as the Internet to exchange information, and employing additional notification and observation of exercises, were just a few examples of transparency. Generally, the assembly agreed these were all practical examples of confidence building measures and all had great significance toward improving mutual understanding and interoperability.

Adm. Rodney Taylor of Australia facilitated a lively final sub-session, "Prevention of Incidents at Sea." Japan gave the presentation which was followed by a spirited discussion. Two distinct opposing views surfaced: one stressed the need for such an agreement; the other claimed an additional agreement was unnecessary. Views favoring an agreement emphasized the advantages of a document which presumed common maritime behavior. Those opposed to an agreement held that an Incidents at Sea agreement is a Cold War relic, based on avoidance of confrontation and misunderstandings. Therefore, since regional navies and other government agencies have considerably improved communications amongst themselves, such an agreement is not needed. The chairman observed the fact that the symposium came to a conclusion, that an agreement was not required, is in itself indicative of progress. He also observed that the idea for a collection of guiding principles for maritime behavior may resurface in the future.

As host, Japan chaired the final session, called "General Discussions." First they considered the "Evaluation and Proposal by Naval Experts" document. Formulated at the 5th WPNS Workshop, and revised and approved by the symposium, this document will be disseminated to governments, appropriate research institutions, and others. Major topics included previously implemented maritime confidence-building measures such as personnel contacts, visits of naval units, and common documents. Proposed maritime confidence-building measures to be implemented on a voluntary basis include increased personnel contacts and improved transparency at the operational and strategic levels. Maritime confidence-building measures under further consideration by WPNS include cooperative operations such as search and rescue and disaster relief activities, and Guiding Principles on Maritime Behavior (previously "Prevention of Incidents at Sea"). This discussion was followed by the chairman’s statement in which Adm. Natsukawa endorsed the common desire to collectively work toward fulfilling the objectives of "An Evaluation and Proposal on Maritime Confidence Building Measures by Western Pacific Naval Experts at the 5th WPNS." After reviewing and revising the Evaluation and Proposal, attending delegates agreed to its contents and the wording of the chairman’s statement.

Memorable conference highlights included a very enjoyable welcoming reception, a traditional and entertaining Japanese dinner, and most notably, the courtesy call on the Prime Minister of Japan, Ryutaro Hashimoto, by the heads of delegations. Time was also set aside to tour JMSDF ships, submarines and the Yokosuka Naval Base. After an overview briefing at Headquarters, Self-Defense Fleet, delegates enjoyed a luncheon hosted by Vice Adm. Yamamoto, Commandant of the Yokosuka District.

Adm. Natsukawa closed the symposium with brief remarks thanking delegates for their earnest work, accomplished objectives, and strengthened friendships through even closer cooperation.

The 5th Western Pacific Naval Symposium was an unqualified success, not only due to its outstanding sponsorship by the JMSDF, but because of the accomplishments and objectives met and surpassed by member countries. Growing regional business and trade highlight this interdependence of Asia-Pacific countries. As regional security concerns continue to arise, WPNS is the right venue for regional navies to come together, discuss common obstacles and resolutions, and come away with a renewed dedication to mutual understanding and naval cooperation.