Indo-Pacific Region Stability 2023-11-20
2023-11-20
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
MP asked about steps to ensure stability in the region, referencing improved relationships with South-East Asian states through various partnerships.
What steps his Department is taking to help ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific region. I agree that relationships with several south-east Asian states have reached new highs as a result of partnerships in areas such as space and cyber as well as air and maritime capabilities. Does my right hon Friend agree that we should do more to ensure that the United Nations convention on the law of the sea is maintained in the South China Sea, working closely with our partners in the region?
The tempo of our engagements and operations in the Indo-Pacific grows all the time on land, sea and air. We are also strengthening regional resilience among our partners to uphold freedom of navigation, deter security threats and build support for international law throughout the Indo-Pacific. My hon Friend hides his light under a bushel, because as a trade envoy in the region he will have had much to do with the improved relationships we enjoy there. Furthermore, HMS Spey transited the Straits of Malacca only this weekend, demonstrating the UK's and the Royal Navy's commitment to upholding freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and around.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details on working more closely with regional partners to uphold UNCLOS specifically.
Hides His Light Under A Bushel
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
MP asked about steps to ensure stability in the region, referencing improved relationships with South-East Asian states through various partnerships.
I agree that relationships with several south-east Asian states have reached new highs as a result of partnerships in areas such as space and cyber as well as air and maritime capabilities. Does my right hon Friend agree that we should do more to ensure that the United Nations convention on the law of the sea is maintained in the South China Sea, working closely with our partners in the region?
My hon Friend hides his light under a bushel, because as a trade envoy in the region he will have had much to do with the improved relationships we enjoy there. Furthermore, HMS Spey transited the Straits of Malacca only this weekend, demonstrating the UK's and the Royal Navy's commitment to upholding freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and around.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details on working more closely with regional partners to uphold UNCLOS specifically.
Hides His Light Under A Bushel
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
MP asked about the impact of Lord Cameron's appointment as Foreign Secretary on the Prime Minister's stance regarding China.
Does the Minister believe the appointment of Lord Cameron as Foreign Secretary strengthens or weakens the Prime Minister's stance that China poses an “epoch-defining challenge” to global security?
It greatly strengthens the Prime Minister's position.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy