Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

AUKUS: Impact on Anglo-Chinese Relations

20 October 2021 · 9 other contributors · 12,502 words

Opened by Daniel Kawczynski Con Shrewsbury and Atcham

Responding minister: Amanda Milling

Foreign Affairs

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Daniel Kawczynski raised concerns about aukus: impact on anglo-chinese relations in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about China's territorial disputes and aggressive actions in the South China Sea, along with human rights concerns in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.
  • The hon. Member asked the government to consider establishing additional naval bases in the Indo-Pacific region to maintain peace and stability.
  • The hon. Member requested prioritizing negotiations for joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to diversify trade partners.

Key requests to Government

The hon. Member asked the government to consider establishing additional naval bases in the Indo-Pacific region akin to its base in Bahrain, stressing the need for Britain's military presence there to maintain peace and stability. He also requested that negotiations for joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) be prioritized to diversify trade partners away from China.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Daniel Kawczynski Con Shrewsbury and Atcham

The hon. Member is concerned about the increasing threat posed by China, particularly in its territorial disputes and aggressive actions in the South China Sea, which involve militarizing islands claimed by other nations. He also cited concerns over human rights abuses in Xinjiang and Hong Kong's democratic movement suppression as evidence of China's growing assertiveness. The MP highlighted the economic dependency on China and advocated for a recalibration of trade policies to reduce this dependence.

Other contributors (9)
  • Alistair Carmichael LD Orkney and Shetland

    The Member of Parliament for Orkney and Shetland questioned whether AUKUS would have a negative impact on UK-China trade relations, suggesting that the agreement could hinder economic opportunities. He called for a detailed assessment of potential long-term consequences before proceeding further.

  • Drew Hendry SNP Inverness N & Ross

    Concerned about the AUKUS deal, Drew Hendry argued that it has caused significant diplomatic tension with France and could encourage nuclear proliferation. He noted China's aggressive actions abroad and at home, including human rights violations and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Hendry criticised the ambiguity of UK-China relations and suggested more effort should be made to establish a UK-EU defence and security deal.

  • Geoffrey Clifton-Brown Con North Cotswolds

    Geoffrey Clifton-Brown congratulated Tim Loughton on his speech, describing it as one of the most outstanding he has heard in Parliament. He also mentioned his background studying the issue of Diego Garcian people and the compensation given to them. Mr Clifton-Brown discussed the importance of participating in the Indo-Pacific tilt and CPTPP negotiations, stressing the need to diversify trade with China while maintaining dialogue on human rights issues. He highlighted concerns about Chinese investment and technological acquisitions, such as the purchase of Newport Wafer Fab, urging the Minister to reconsider this decision. Clifton-Brown also addressed the strategic long-term thinking of China, advocating for continued engagement despite differences. Questioned the hon. Member's concerns about nuclear proliferation, noting that AUKUS submarines are only powered by nuclear energy and not equipped with nuclear weapons.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Jim Shannon expressed support for the AUKUS agreement, highlighting its necessity in light of China's influence and human rights abuses. He emphasised the importance of strengthening ties with Australia and the USA to counterbalance Chinese dominance, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Shannon also mentioned the economic impact of China's aggressive policies on Northern Ireland, noting that container prices had risen from £3,000 to £15,000.

  • Mark Logan Con Coatbridge and Chryston

    The Member of Parliament for Coatbridge and Chryston raised concerns about the potential negative impact of AUKUS on UK-China relations, stating that it could lead to a deterioration in trade and diplomatic ties. He also mentioned the need for the government to ensure that any defence cooperation with allies does not come at the expense of relationships with other nations. Discussed the nuanced relationship with China, highlighting opportunities and challenges. Emphasised the importance of collaboration on issues like climate change and expressed caution about using adversarial language towards China.

  • Nusrat Ghani Con Wealden

    The Member of Parliament for Wealden emphasised the importance of the UK maintaining its position as a global leader in defence and technology, supporting the AUKUS agreement to enhance strategic capabilities. She noted that while there might be some concerns about Anglo-Chinese relations, the benefits of increased security cooperation with allies outweigh these risks.

  • Iain Duncan Smith Con Chingford and Woodford Green

    The right hon. Member intervened on the issue of Chinese human rights abuses in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, emphasizing Britain's duty to stand with these regions against China.

  • Stephen Kinnock Lab Aberavon

    Emphasised the need for the UK to strengthen its alliances with democratic partners in response to an increasingly uncertain world, welcoming AUKUS but stressing it should not undermine relationships with other allies like Canada and New Zealand. Raised concerns about the negative impact on relations with France following the announcement of AUKUS. Highlighted the importance of maintaining resources and engagement with NATO while developing ties in the Indo-Pacific. Asked the Minister if she would give way.

  • Tim Loughton Con East Worthing and Shoreham

    Tim Loughton expressed his support for the debate, noting that he was one of seven parliamentarians sanctioned by the Chinese Government. He emphasized concerns about China's aggressive actions towards Taiwan, including filling atolls with cement and the increase in military jets flying into Taiwanese airspace. The hon. Member supported the lead MP's concerns about the Uyghurs in Xinjiang, referring to the situation as genocide rather than ethnic cleansing.

Government Response

Amanda Milling

Thanked Mr Davies and expressed condolences to David Amess's family. Acknowledged AUKUS will support peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, not aimed at any one country. Stressed that AUKUS is consistent with non-proliferation treaty obligations and Australia's commitment as a non-nuclear weapons state. Discussed UK's strategic tilt towards the Indo-Pacific region and its economic importance. Highlighted visits to the Philippines, Singapore, and Japan, emphasizing support for CPTPP membership and regional security through the deployment of the UK carrier strike group. Mentioned the importance of constructive dialogue regarding Taiwan tensions, asserting no diplomatic relations with Taiwan but supporting strong unofficial ties. Emphasized the need to work closely with China while not compromising on values or national security. Reiterated ongoing efforts in international partnerships such as climate change and biodiversity loss.

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