Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

South China Sea

Tuesday 13 October 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Scott Mann asked about the effect on regional security of China's actions in the South China Sea.
  • The minister expressed concern over reports of militarisation and intimidation in the South China Sea.
  • The response mentioned that thirty-nine countries joined a UN statement expressing deep concern about human rights issues in China.

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Scott Mann Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP asks about the assessment made on regional security in light of recent actions taken by China in the South China Sea.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the effect on regional security of China's actions in the South China sea?

Answer from Nigel Adams

On 3 September, I reiterated our concern about reports of militarisation, coercion and intimidation in the South China Sea, and I called on all parties to refrain from activity likely to raise tensions. Given the importance we attach to the UN convention on the law of the sea, I also put our comprehensive legal position on the SCS on public record for the first time.

Answered
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Q2 Scott Mann Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP raises concerns about China's human rights abuses and assertive international behavior, asking for consideration given to these issues within the context of the integrated security, defence, development, and foreign policy review.

Question

China's brazen human rights abuses and its increasingly assertive behaviour internationally are both deeply disturbing issues. In the light of this behaviour, what consideration has the Department given to the integrated review of security, defence, development and foreign policy to safeguard British friends and interests in south-east Asia?

Answer from Nigel Adams

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising this. I would remind him that, on 6 October, 39 countries joined in a statement at the UN Third Committee expressing deep concern at the human rights situation in Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Tibet. This growing caucus willing to speak out reflects the UK's diplomatic leadership. The tilt to the Indo-Pacific is a key ambition for our integrated review. It will outline the UK's intention to become a long-term partner to south Asian and Asia-Pacific countries. We are already working to develop closer partnerships with the region through our bid to achieve Association of Southeast Asian Nations dialogue partnership status. The Foreign Secretary visited Hanoi recently, and that was high on our agenda. We are also keen to pursue our accession to the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership.

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