NEW SPEECH: UK Minister of State sets out Global Britain's Indo-Pacific Tilt
A Beijing to Britain note
Good morning,
While you were asleep, the UK Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, addressed Australia’s National Press Club to discuss the United Kingdom’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific region. As paid readers know, the Minister is several days into a nine-day tour around the region.
Trevelyan’s speech outlined three areas the UK is trying to build partnerships in throughout the region: security and defence; resilience and tackling climate change; and trade and investment. It includes a short section on China, and how this Government aims to deal with the “systemic challenge” it represents. Her comments are frank and provide useful insight into future activities in the Indo-Pacific, including on CPTPP and critical minerals.
This Note pulls key quotes from the speech, then for paid readers adds context and provides the entire transcript.
Key quotes
On why the UK has an Indo-Pacific tilt
“The article asked if the UK would have the “strategic bandwidth” to focus on the Indo-Pacific, in the light of our immense support for Ukraine…As the UK’s newly appointed Minister for the Indo-Pacific, my answer is that we cannot afford to do anything other than focus on this region…In short, this region is critical to the UK - to our economy, our security and to the international rules based system, that both our countries cherish.”
On the UK-Australia partnership
“Australia is of course one of our closest and most like-minded partners in the region. In fact I think there are few countries in the world that enjoy such strong historical, political and cultural bonds as we do together. From the dark days of the Second World War to our joint fight against ISIS, we have stood side-by-side, in defence of our shared values and interests. AUKUS is perhaps a continuation of that tradition. So when it comes to our Indo-Pacific Tilt, Australia is very much a magnetic force for us. A reliable partner, whose counsel and judgement we respect.”
On China
“Of course we cannot talk about the Indo-Pacific region, without considering the role of China. The UK will always stand side-by-side with our international partners and allies, and this includes in how we respond to China. It is important to have dialogue and maintain engagement and bilateral trade with China, a global actor and driver of growth. But China poses a systemic challenge to our shared values and interests when it departs from global rules and norms, and when it aligns itself with aggressive countries like Russia. Alongside our partners, the UK believes in a free and open Indo-Pacific. So, I want to reassure you that the UK Government will always stand up for our sovereignty and economic security – and that of our partners.”
On the three partnerships the UK is building across the Indo Pacific
“Let me give you a brief glimpse into the partnerships we’ve been building right across the Indo Pacific in three broad areas: security and defence; resilience and tackling climate change; and trade and investment.”
Security and defence
“First, our historic AUKUS agreement reflects the unique trust between the UK, US and Australia. It reflects our shared values, and our joint commitment to Indo-Pacific security. We have made good progress on the deal, entering the final stretch of an eighteen-month feasibility study to deliver nuclear-powered submarine capability for Australia. The UK and Australia share a long and proud history of naval cooperation. But AUKUS will be more than just this important generation of submarines for the Australian Navy. Our collaboration on cutting edge defence technology will give our countries a competitive edge, ensuring our people are kept safe from harm and enhancing our ability to achieve shared goals, including promoting security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.”
“Last year our Carrier Strike Group toured the region engaging with over 40 countries. Our offshore patrol vessels HMS Spey and HMS Tamar are now stationed in the Indo-Pacific to be able to work with key allies and partners consistently and to build closer relationships and understanding. HMS Tamar is one of the Royal Navy’s newest and greenest ships, and she recently visited Darwin. HMS Astute, first of her class and one of the most advanced nuclear submarines in the world, docked in Perth last year. Our maritime partnerships are about promoting the international rules based system, and the fundamental right under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, for maritime vessels to move freely in international waters.”
Resilience and tackling climate change
“We are working with partners to build their capacity to tackle threats to regional stability. From illegal and unregulated fishing, to defending maritime law, to tackling serious and organised crime. We can overcome these challenges by working with allies and partners, listening and responding to regional concerns is at the very heart of our approach.”
“I have just come from the 12th Conference of the Pacific Community in Vanuatu. I met with Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Jotham Napat, and learnt about their priorities of their recently-elected government. They were very clear that Vanuatu is on the front line of the climate emergency. So we will be working even more closely with them and with other partners to accelerate global action on climate change. Good intentions aren’t enough, action and better finance flow to these most vulnerable communities is now imperative. The UK is also supporting the delivery of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which sets out Pacific countries’ vision for a cleaner, safer and more resilient future.”
“The British High Commission building will soon be home to our new Pacific Development Unit, which will help us deliver even more support for those nations suffering the harmful impacts of climate change.”
Trade and investment
“Last year, we launched the Space Bridge, a new partnership to increase trade, investment, research and collaboration between our space sectors. The UK is building similar win-win partnerships with economies and sectors across the region. We gained ASEAN Dialogue Partner status last year, and agreed a Plan of Action over the summer, recognising the importance of ASEAN centrality to maintaining peace and prosperity across the region. We were the first European country to secure a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with India. And we intend to be the first European country to accede to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.”
“In the CPTPP we will be staunch friends to Australia. We will be an unequivocal advocate for high standards and greater collaboration on priorities like developing our green and digital economies, and making our supply chains more resilient.”