What's happened
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to enhance the UK's military and economic presence in the Indo-Pacific during his visit to Samoa. The Royal Navy will increase patrols with Pacific nations to combat illegal fishing and respond to natural disasters, amid rising Chinese influence in the region.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Starmer emphasized that the UK 'cannot turn a blind eye' to challenges faced by allies in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting the need for increased military presence. The South China Morning Post noted that the Royal Navy's expanded patrols will focus on combating illegal fishing and responding to natural disasters, reflecting a broader strategy to counter China's maritime activities. Meanwhile, The Mirror reported on the planned visit of the HMS Prince of Wales to Singapore in 2025, further solidifying defense ties in the region. Bloomberg echoed these sentiments, stating that the UK's efforts are part of a collective response to China's growing influence.
How we got here
The UK's renewed focus on the Indo-Pacific follows a 2021 foreign policy review that emphasized strengthening ties with the region post-Brexit. This shift aims to counter China's growing maritime presence and support regional allies.
More on these topics
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Samoa, officially the Independent State of Samoa and until 1997 known as Western Samoa, is a Polynesian island country consisting of two main islands, Savai'i and Upolu, two smaller inhabited islands, Manono and Apolima, and several small uninhabited isla
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New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It comprises two main landmasses—the North Island and the South Island —and around 600 smaller islands, covering a total area of 268,021 square kilometres.
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The Royal Navy is the United Kingdom's naval warfare force. Although warships were used by the English kings from the early medieval period, the first major maritime engagements were fought in the Hundred Years' War against the Kingdom of France.
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Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands.