The urgency of the situation is clear. As Minister for the Indo-Pacific, I’m tasked with navigating a world increasingly defined by fragmentation and instability. This requires a sustained, strategic commitment – a generational vision, if you will – built on robust partnerships and a willingness to challenge the status quo. The recent events, from the devastating weather patterns impacting the region, to geopolitical competition, and the escalating climate crisis, underline the critical importance of this endeavor. We’ve recently witnessed the horrific storms of Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and India, showcasing the vulnerabilities of our interconnected world and reinforcing the need for collaborative responses.
The core of the UK’s approach remains steadfast: fostering stability for growth, rebuilding trust, and strengthening relationships across the Indo-Pacific and beyond. It’s a recognition that no single nation can effectively address the complex challenges of our time—climate change, maritime security, economic fragmentation—without the active engagement of partners. The Prime Minister recently returned from a visit to India, a key element of our strategy, signalling our enduring commitment to this region. This investment in India – including the recently signed Free Trade Agreement – demonstrates our ambition to capitalize on the region’s burgeoning economic potential. The ambition and investment are being made through the ‘Vision 2035’ strategy that aims to strengthen our collaboration.
Our approach is multifaceted, encompassing security partnerships, economic cooperation, and diplomatic engagement. The AUKUS alliance, for example, is a cornerstone of our security strategy, bolstering defense capabilities and contributing to regional stability. Furthermore, the UK’s longstanding partnership with ASEAN—a vital engine of economic growth and stability in Southeast Asia—remains central to our strategy. We’ve strengthened ties through initiatives like the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement and the ASEAN Power Grid project, aligning with the region’s strategic priorities. The recent elevation of our relationship with Vietnam to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, encompassing six key pillars, is a significant step forward in our collaboration.
The current geopolitical context demands a particularly nuanced approach, particularly concerning China. Our relationship with China is governed by a consistent, long-term strategy—one rooted in global interests. We recognize the importance of engagement where it benefits our shared prosperity, such as in global health and climate change. However, we are equally resolute in challenging China where necessary, upholding international law, and safeguarding our security interests. The UK’s support for Ukraine serves as a potent example of this commitment.
Recent events highlight the importance of diversification and resilience. The impact of the war in Ukraine on global food prices underscores the vulnerability of interconnected supply chains. Similarly, rising tensions in the South China Sea, and the potential for disruption to global maritime trade, require a concerted international effort to uphold the rules-based order. The UK’s participation in the Multinational Carrier Strike Group deployment to Singapore, demonstrated our commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
Looking ahead, our focus will be on building enduring partnerships and fostering innovation. The UK’s collaboration with Indonesia, including the new Maritime Partnership Programme, signals a commitment to addressing shared challenges and unlocking new opportunities. Continued support for ASEAN’s digital economy initiatives, coupled with efforts to promote trade and investment, will be crucial for driving sustainable growth across the region. Strengthening our partnerships with key countries like South Korea and the Philippines, while actively pursuing opportunities within the broader Indo-Pacific, remains a key priority.
The challenges are undeniable, but so too is the potential for collaboration. The Indo-Pacific region presents a unique opportunity to shape a more stable and prosperous world. By working together, we can address shared challenges, promote economic growth, and uphold the rules-based international order. The upcoming six months will be critical in solidifying these partnerships and demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the region. The long-term, over the next five to ten years, will require continued investment and adaptability, a willingness to reassess our strategies as the geopolitical landscape evolves, and a recognition that our collective success hinges on our ability to work together.
The recent dialogue between the Foreign Secretary and counterparts in UNGA shows the shared challenges that face us all, and the need to address them together.
The challenge is clear – to create a world in which our shared prosperity and security are not a privilege, but a universal right.