British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to increase military and economic presence in the Indo-Pacific region to counter the influence of the Chinese Communist Party. The UK will further enhance joint patrols with Pacific island nations in an effort to promote stability in the region.
Starmer emphasized that the UK cannot ignore the challenges faced by its allies on the other side of the world.
During the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa on Saturday, Starmer is set to unveil the UK Navy’s strengthened operations in the Indo-Pacific.
These actions will include increased joint patrols with Pacific island nations to address natural disasters and combat illegal fishing. Illegal fishing has become a growing concern in the Pacific region, with Chinese fleets often escorted by government security vessels venturing into distant waters for fishing.
Similar initiatives have been announced by the United States and France, which also have overseas territories in the South Pacific.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to the challenges faced by our friends and partners on the other side of the world,” Starmer stated in a release. “Therefore, the message I want to convey today is clear: this is just the beginning of our commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.”
Following Brexit, the UK has been seeking to rebuild historical connections with the Indo-Pacific region and will become the first European country to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) this year.
During the summit, Starmer is expected to announce a partnership with Australia to establish the “Pacific Business Club” aimed at assisting businesses in bidding for a $6 billion multilateral development bank contract. The UK and New Zealand will also announce a new cooperation supporting renewable energy projects.
After decades of delegating responsibilities to allies such as the US and Australia, the UK is now seeking to increase its naval presence in the Indo-Pacific region. In recent years, the escalating threat posed by China has prompted Washington to call on like-minded countries to share security responsibilities.
The UK plans to deploy the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier, equipped with advanced F-35 fighter jets, to visit the Pacific next year.
Starmer and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong are set to announce on Saturday that during the carrier’s deployment, it will make a stop at the UK Navy’s former Pacific base in Singapore.
The Pacific islands are at the center of the US-China power struggle due to their proximity to crucial sea routes and communication cables.
“I have further strengthened my understanding of the importance of the Pacific region to the prosperity and security of the UK during my visit this week,” Starmer said. “I know that the UK also plays a crucial role in supporting the region in business, trade, and defense.”
He pledged to work towards “ensuring a safer and fairer world”.