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UK ambitions in South-east Asia will grow post-Brexit

Monday, February 25, 2019

Subject

UK political, security and economic ties with South-east Asia.

Significance

China earlier this month reacted angrily to UK Defence Minister Gavin Williamson’s suggestion that a new UK aircraft carrier would be sent to the Pacific and that the United Kingdom would use “lethal force” against countries violating international law. Williamson indicated late last year that the United Kingdom might seek a more permanent military presence in South-east Asia.

Impacts

  • Post-Brexit, the United Kingdom will aim to negotiate bilateral and multilateral trade deals with South-east Asian countries.
  • The United Kingdom will station more diplomatic personnel in South-east Asia, including to the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta.
  • Increased UK presence in the South China Sea would be welcomed by the United States and its security partners.

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