Naval modernisation and Southeast Asia's security

Bateman focused on the role of national coastguards in contemporary naval security, with particular focus on Southeast Asian maritime security. He highlighted the increased complexity of naval warfare, with the relationship between maritime law enforcement and security forces becoming more legally complex. Bateman provided examples of coastguard activities in the Southeast Asian region, emphasising the active role of the Japanese coastguard in capacity-building initiatives in the area, China's use of its civil maritime security forces in the recent fishing trawler dispute, and the regional activities of the US Coastguard.