THREAD Some initial thoughts on the UK's refresh of its Integrated Review of security and foreign policy, which I think is a positive step for British engagement in the Indo-Pacific, with many areas for improvement and investment in future if relationships are to be sustained. 1/
It is good to see the government moving past the Manichean framing of democracy vs autocracy, which has alienated many partners in Asia, and embracing the need to work on specific issues with other middle powers who may often not share the UK's values and interests. 2/
The government has declared the Indo-Pacific Tilt complete, which is reasonable given that it has achieved ASEAN dialogue partner status (on diplomatic front), is close to securing CPTPP membership (on trade front) and is advancing the AUKUS partnership (on defence front). 3/
"Tilt" always implied a movement rather than a long-term approach and the government is right to elevate its ambition to "make this increased engagement stronger and enduring, and a permanent pillar of the UK’s international policy". That is easier said than done, of course. 4/
The govt lists specific ambitions here, including joining ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus & ASEAN Regional Forum. The govt will need to dedicate significant ministerial time to attend these & other ASEAN meetings, which can often be pro forma with ltd short-term returns. 5/
It's good to see the UK seeking to claim a seat at the top tables of Asian security architecture. But the UK has ltd resources and there must be long-term follow-through or British credibility will be damaged. Any future Labour govts will also need to keep showing up. 6/
I'm pleased to see doubling of funding for China capabilities across govt, as I & others have recommended. But the govt also needs to invest in understanding other key partners, including India, Indonesia and Japan. And it should be boosting Asia capabilities outside govt too. 7/
Given tightened economic conditions, & fact that UK retains global ambitions beyond Indo-Pacific & Europe, the govt doesn't have resources to drive this shift on its own. It needs to catalyse support from outside govt, inc businesses, universities, think-tanks the media etc. 8/
One final semantic point: in a shift from 2021, UK has adopted the "free and open Indo-Pacific" language used by Japan and the US. I think it would have been better to craft a unique UK framing. But actions will count much more than words ENDS gov.uk.
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