Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Indo-Pacific Region: Stability

Monday 20 November 2023 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The tempo of UK engagements and operations in the Indo-Pacific region is increasing across land, sea, and air.
  • The UK is strengthening regional resilience among partners to uphold freedom of navigation and deter security threats.
  • Lord Cameron's appointment as Foreign Secretary is seen to strengthen the Prime Minister's stance on China's impact on global security.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Richard Graham Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

MP asked about steps to ensure stability in the region, referencing improved relationships with South-East Asian states through various partnerships.

Question

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?

Answer from James Heappey

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details on working more closely with regional partners to uphold UNCLOS specifically.

How: Hides His Light Under A Bushel

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Q2 Richard Graham Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

MP asked about steps to ensure stability in the region, referencing improved relationships with South-East Asian states through various partnerships.

Question

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?

Answer from James Heappey

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details on working more closely with regional partners to uphold UNCLOS specifically.

How: Hides His Light Under A Bushel

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Q3 Emma Lewell Lab South Shields
Foreign Affairs
Context

MP asked about the impact of Lord Cameron's appointment as Foreign Secretary on the Prime Minister's stance regarding China.

Question

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?

Answer from James Heappey

It greatly strengthens the Prime Minister's position.

Answered
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