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06-27-2012 13:57 BJT | CCTV
The Rim of the Pacific Drills 2012 is about to be held in Hawaii and its surrounding maritime areas. Twenty two countries
are taking part, making it the world’s largest marine exercise. It sets a new record in terms of the numbers of participating
countries and overall military strength.
Military ships, planes and personnel from 22 nations are converging on Hawaii. It’s the largest-ever "Rim of the Pacific" naval
exercise in and around the islands. A sign of the growing attention paid to events in Asia and the Pacific.
Forty-two surface ships, 6 submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are taking part in this year’s RIMPAC
exercise, the 23rd in a series that began in 1971.
Apart from the regular players, Russia, India, Mexico, the Philippines, New Zealand, Norway and Tonga are participating for
the first time.
Russia’s presence has raised a lot of attention as the joint drills originally began in 1971 to counter The Soviet Pacific Fleet.
Brad Glosserman, Executive Director of the Pacific Forum Center in Honolulu says "Russia’s presence speaks to a Russian desire
to be more deeply engaged in this region."
India, too, is trying to establish itself as a more visible and prominent regional player. The exercise aims to increase mutual
cooperation and combined operation capabilities among the countries around the rim of the Pacific Ocean.
But, more players mean the competition for who will take the lead role is raised.
Whether the joint action will remain merely an exercise, remains to be seen. The joint action ends on August 7th.
06-27-2012 13:57 BJT | CCTV
The Rim of the Pacific Drills 2012 is about to be held in Hawaii and its surrounding maritime areas. Twenty two countries
are taking part, making it the world’s largest marine exercise. It sets a new record in terms of the numbers of participating
countries and overall military strength.
Military ships, planes and personnel from 22 nations are converging on Hawaii. It’s the largest-ever "Rim of the Pacific" naval
exercise in and around the islands. A sign of the growing attention paid to events in Asia and the Pacific.
Forty-two surface ships, 6 submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are taking part in this year’s RIMPAC
exercise, the 23rd in a series that began in 1971.
Apart from the regular players, Russia, India, Mexico, the Philippines, New Zealand, Norway and Tonga are participating for
the first time.
Russia’s presence has raised a lot of attention as the joint drills originally began in 1971 to counter The Soviet Pacific Fleet.
Brad Glosserman, Executive Director of the Pacific Forum Center in Honolulu says "Russia’s presence speaks to a Russian desire
to be more deeply engaged in this region."
India, too, is trying to establish itself as a more visible and prominent regional player. The exercise aims to increase mutual
cooperation and combined operation capabilities among the countries around the rim of the Pacific Ocean.
But, more players mean the competition for who will take the lead role is raised.
Whether the joint action will remain merely an exercise, remains to be seen. The joint action ends on August 7th.
