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Fact Sheet: Background of the Western Pacific Naval Symposium, MCMEX, DIVEX and NMS
25 March 2011
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The Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) comprises navies whose countries border the Pacific Ocean region. It was inaugurated in 1988 after navy chiefs attending the International Seapower Symposium in 1987 agreed to establish a forum where leaders of regional navies could meet to discuss cooperative initiatives. Under the WPNS, member countries convene biennially to discuss regional and global maritime issues.
As of October 2010, WPNS membership stands at 20 members and four observers. They are:
Members
Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, France, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, People's Republic of China, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, United States of America and Vietnam
Observers
Bangladesh, India, Mexico and Peru
Mine Countermeasures Exercise (MCMEX)
The Mine Countermeasures Exercise (MCMEX) is a multinational military exercise conducted within a maritime security framework. The exercise will involve coordinated mine countermeasures planning, real-time and post-mission analysis as well as the conduct of conventional and unmanned minehunting and minesweeping operations. Participating countries for MCMEX 2011 are Australia, France, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, United States of America and Vietnam. Observer countries are People's Republic of China and Sweden.
Diving Exercise (DIVEX)
The Diving Exercise (DIVEX) involves professional sharing among participants comprising naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal forces. DIVEX 2011 will incorporate surface and sub-surface operational responses against unconventional terrorist threats. Participating countries this year are Australia, Canada, France, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand and United States of America. Observer countries are Chile, People's Republic of China, Philippines and Sweden.
Naval Medicine Seminar (NMS)
The Naval Medicine Seminar (NMS) will bring together medical practitioners to discuss the topics of military diving and hyperbaric medicine. Participating countries for NMS 2011 are Australia, Chile, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, People's Republic of China, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand and United States of America.
More Resources
Singapore and Indonesian Navies Co-Host Multilateral Exercises