Recommendations & Conclusions
67 items
1
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Rejected
The Indo-Pacific Tilt served to confirm an existing trend of increasing engagement with countries in the Indo-Pacific region and demonstrated the intent of Government to persist with and deepen this engagement in the long term. However, there has been no explanation of the outcomes that the Government expects from the …
Government response. The government disagrees with the committee's assessment that it has not clearly set out its long-term objectives for the Indo-Pacific Tilt, citing previous Integrated Reviews and ministerial speeches, and states it is increasing strategic communications resources in the region.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
2
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Accepted in Part
Therefore, we welcome the Foreign Secretary’s recognition that delivery of the Tilt’s outcomes is by no means complete, that his statement provides long-term intent, and that the Government will be keen to ensure that it is supported by a correspondingly long-term shift in resources and a clearer enunciation of the …
Government response. The government agrees the Indo-Pacific is a long-term priority and states it is increasing strategic communications resources in the region. However, it disagrees with the implication that it has not clearly set out its long-term objectives.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
3
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Accepted
While we support a stronger foreign policy focus on the Indo-Pacific region, it should not be achieved at the expense of regions where we have historic and pressing commitments, in particular the Middle East.
Government response. The government agrees, stating the Integrated Review Refresh already clearly identifies the Middle East as a geographic priority integral to UK interests, confirming existing policy aligns with the committee's view.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
4
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Acknowledged
We welcome the realistic and pragmatic response in the Refresh to recent geopolitical events and trends, in particular the primary focus on the Euro-Atlantic and the establishment of the Indo-Pacific as a permanent pillar of the UK’s international policy.
Government response. The government agrees that the Indo-Pacific must be a long-term and enduring aspect of UK international policy, compatible with the Euro-Atlantic remaining a core priority.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
5
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Accepted
We support the continued prioritisation of the UK’s relationship with Indo-Pacific countries and all efforts to expand trade and investment links with one of the fastest growing regions of the world, which will benefit the economies of the UK and our partners globally.
Government response. The government agrees with the committee's support and details specific actions, including signing the CPTPP Accession Protocol, pursuing further FTAs, increasing inward investment, and tackling market access barriers in the Indo-Pacific region.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
6
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Not Addressed
[The Refresh states that the Tilt was pursued largely through non-military instruments, such as diplomacy, trade, development, technological exchange and engagement with regional organisations, with only a modest increase in defence spending.] This stress on the use of diplomatic instruments should continue to the extent possible, alongside effective deterrence to …
Government response. The government's response reiterates the Indo-Pacific's importance and efforts in strategic communications but does not specifically address the committee's recommendation to continue the stress on diplomatic instruments and effective deterrence.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
7
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Acknowledged
It is not yet clear whether the Tilt has achieved a permanent rebalancing of UK foreign policy. It will only have done so if prioritisation is maintained consistently over a long period during which relationships can be built and sustained on the basis of the original Tilt.
Government response. The government agrees the Indo-Pacific is a long-term and enduring aspect of UK international policy, asserting that it now forms a permanent pillar of policy, thus addressing the committee's point about clarity on rebalancing.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
8
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Accepted
We welcome the acceptance in the Refresh of our recommendation that the Government work away from the word “tilt” to describe its policy towards the Indo-Pacific while continuing to prioritise the region. We also welcome the list of additional actions the Government proposes to take to implement its newly-described policy …
Government response. The government agrees the Indo-Pacific is a long-term policy and commits to increasing strategic communications resources in the region to ensure sustained communication of its goals and intentions, directly addressing the committee's recommendation.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
9
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Accepted
[In the Refresh the Government states that it will double funding to build China capabilities across government to better understand China and allow the UK to engage confidently where it is in our interests to do so.] This is a welcome development, but no detail has been provided.
Government response. The government agrees with the committee's observation and provides extensive detail on the China Capability Programme, outlining its curriculum, training, international events, and cross-government Mandarin language offer.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
10
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Accepted in Part
[The Refresh is more specific in announcing that £20 million will be provided to enable the BBC World Service to protect all 42 World Service language services, support English language broadcasting and counter disinformation.] This is also a welcome development, though World Service language coverage still needs to be restored …
Government response. The government partially agrees, recognising the importance of the World Service's role; however, the visible response then pivots to economic connections and does not directly address the specific need to restore or initiate language coverage for several Indo-Pacific countries.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
11
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Acknowledged
The continuing high priority of the Indo-Pacific in the 2023 Refresh should be matched by a commensurately expanded resource allocation to ensure delivery. While welcoming the doubling of spending on China-facing capability and the £20 million more for the BBC World Service, there needs to be more transparency on the …
Government response. The government agrees that the Indo-Pacific is a long-term and enduring aspect of UK international policy, critical to the economy and security, but does not provide details on expanded resource allocation or increased transparency.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
12
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Acknowledged
The Government should now explain how its prioritisation of the Indo-Pacific region will be translated into long-term resource allocation, for example in a reallocation of FCDO budget towards the Indo-Pacific and an increase in the number of diplomatic posts in the region, and it should indicate in which countries these …
Government response. The government agrees the Indo-Pacific is a long-term priority and critical for the UK, but it does not explain how this prioritisation will translate into long-term resource allocation, budget reallocation, or an increase in diplomatic posts in the region as …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
13
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Accepted in Part
The Government should enumerate extra expenditure more comprehensively and transparently than it has done in the Refresh. We welcome the doubling of funding to build China capabilities; this should be itemised in broad terms so that it is clear what kind of resources will be added. The Government should spell …
Government response. The government agrees and provides detailed itemisation of the doubled funding for China capabilities, outlining curriculum, training, events, and language offers, but does not provide broader enumeration of other extra expenditure or costs for diplomatic and people-to-people relationships.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
14
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Accepted in Part
The Government should also ensure the commensurate uplift of CSSF funding for Indo-Pacific region is put in place.
Government response. The government partially agrees to increase CSSF funding for the Indo-Pacific, stating that CSSF already prioritises the region, but that funding adjustments are made annually based on resources and evolving priorities due to fiscal challenges.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
15
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Accepted in Part
We recommend that the FCDO publish and implement a long-term, sustainable language strategy for Indo-Pacific languages, including targets for language learning, encouraging the establishment and/or expansion of language teaching in UK by Tilting horizons: the Integrated Review and the Indo-Pacific 67 developing a plan to expand existing university departments or …
Government response. The government partially agrees, detailing existing FCDO language learning systems and targets, but indicating limitations in adjusting diplomat posting policy. For broader language teaching, it cites existing school programmes and curriculum updates, noting education is a devolved matter, without committing …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
16
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Deferred
While welcoming the extra £20 million to be spent on the BBC World Service, including for protecting the 42 foreign languages in which it broadcasts, we recommend that World Service coverage should be restored in languages which have been discontinued (Malay and Hokkien) and initiated in important Indo-Pacific languages in …
Government response. The government acknowledges the committee's support for increased economic engagement with the Indo-Pacific region and discusses its importance for global growth and UK prosperity, without addressing the specific recommendation regarding BBC World Service language coverage.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
17
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Deferred
The Government should urgently publish an unclassified version of its China Strategy to ensure cross-Government coherence and also publish sector-specific guidance to support, in particular, industries of critical national importance, national security, or data-intensive industries. It must also ensure all relevant Ministers have been briefed on the higher classification version.
Government response. The government's response discusses its economic engagement with the Indo-Pacific region and its growth, completely sidestepping the recommendation to urgently publish an unclassified China Strategy and sector-specific guidance.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
18
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Deferred
[We believe that the activities outlined in the report, such as the attack on demonstrators outside the Chinese consulate in Manchester. are not isolated incidents, but rather a sustained attempt by the PRC to intimidate expats and dissidents from China and Hong Kong living abroad into refraining from holding or …
Government response. The government's response discusses its economic engagement with the Indo-Pacific region and its growth, completely sidestepping the recommendation to proactively address Chinese intimidation tactics against dissidents and raise the issue with China and in international fora.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
19
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Accepted
The Government must recognise repeated attacks on Hong Kong dissidents as part of wider PRC policy of repression, and proactively challenge this behaviour and communicate the unacceptability of such a policy directly with representatives of the PRC.
Government response. The government agrees that transnational repression on UK soil is unacceptable, affirming its zero-tolerance approach and commitment to protecting individuals. It states that it regularly communicates its expectations directly to concerned countries, including regarding Hong Kong activists.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
20
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Rejected
We welcome the Government’s China policy statement in general terms in the Refresh. However, this policy now needs to be fleshed out so that practitioners such as academics and businesspeople can be fully aware of the limits within which they can operate with and in China. The FCDO should explain …
Government response. The government states there is no need to publish an additional China Strategy to flesh out its policy, reiterating its existing approach of protecting national security, aligning with allies, and engaging where in UK interests, coordinated by the National Security …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
21
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Not Addressed
In the absence of a publicly available, and practical, strategy for business, academia, civil society and others to adhere to, it is vital that the Government updates existing legislation and guidance in an urgent and clear manner so that organisations can understand the parameters within which they should be operating. …
Government response. The government's response discusses transnational repression and economic coercion, failing to address the specific recommendation for updating legislation and guidance to clarify operational parameters for businesses, academia, and civil society engaging with China.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
22
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Accepted
The Government should have had a policy of zero tolerance of transnational repression. It is unacceptable that this has not been the position up to now. It should now announce a clear policy of zero tolerance of transnational repression and be prepared to expel any foreign diplomats who engage in …
Government response. The government agrees on the unacceptability of transnational repression, affirms its zero-tolerance approach, and commits to taking all necessary action to protect individuals on UK shores, communicating expectations to foreign powers.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
23
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Acknowledged
We must recognise that all pillars of society are under attack from autocracies and that our resulting defence against them must be a defence of all of our society.
Government response. The government's response discusses its zero-tolerance approach to transnational repression and efforts to build resilience against economic coercion, thereby implicitly acknowledging societal threats, but does not explicitly address the broad conclusion on defending all pillars of society.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
24
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Not Addressed
The Government should intensify its efforts to discourage the use of superficially harmless technologies (e.g. Hikvision surveillance cameras) which are capable of being used for remote data harvesting. The Government should also launch a national discussion around data release, and data exfiltration, so that the public are better equipped to …
Government response. The government's response focuses on transnational repression and economic coercion, failing to address the recommendation to intensify efforts against problematic surveillance technologies like Hikvision or launch a national discussion on data privacy and exfiltration.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
25
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Accepted
The Government recognises the threat that the Chinese Communist Party could use economic coercion to influence UK decision making by targeting strategically critical sectors. The Government has not taken adequate action to tackle this threat. It must work to identify which technologies, infrastructure and components the UK is most dependent …
Government response. The government agrees on the need to build resilience against China's economic coercion, confirming it is identifying dependencies in critical sectors, taking action to mitigate risks through diversification, and developing the Critical National Infrastructure Resilience Strategy.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
26
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Acknowledged
Cross-government and external agency coordination in mitigating the risk of technological dependence on China is uneven and disjointed. The Government should create a central CNI list to improve coordination and clarify areas of priority. With the technology sector now dominated by a few key players, we are now over-reliant on …
Government response. The government acknowledges the need for CNI resilience and states it is developing a Critical National Infrastructure Resilience Strategy. However, it does not explicitly commit to creating a central CNI list to improve coordination as recommended.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
27
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Deferred
[Neither the Integrated Review (IR) nor the Refresh mentions the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world’s largest trade bloc, which, though China-dominated, includes the UK’s allies in the Indo-Pacific, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. (The UK is a founding member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), another Chinese …
Government response. The government agrees with the committee on the importance of understanding China and commits to investing in civil servants' skills and knowledge in this area, but does not explain its stance towards the RCEP and IPEF trade blocs as recommended.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
28
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Deferred
The Government should publish, by December 2023, an assessment of progress made to date in the development of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), for example to what extent it might serve UK interests and objectives in the Indo-Pacific and how it interacts with other multilateral initiatives such as …
Government response. The Government supports Taiwanese participation in international organizations as a member where statehood is not a prerequisite and as an observer or guest where it is. They are waiting for key parliamentary processes to take place to ratify the deal, …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
29
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Deferred
The Government should explore and exploit opportunities for further developing of people-to-people and defence/security links with Commonwealth countries in the Indo-Pacific region, based on historical ties and shared values.
Government response. The government agrees but responds by detailing its commitment to investing in civil servants' skills to better understand China, which is unrelated to developing people-to-people and defence/security links with Commonwealth countries.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
30
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Accepted in Part
[While stressing the importance of AUKUS, the Refresh makes no mention of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (the Quad) established in 2007 and renewed since 2017 between Australia, India, Japan and the United States. We heard differing opinions from witnesses on whether the UK should apply to join the Quad, with …
Government response. The government partially agrees, stating that membership of the Quad is not necessary but the UK will continue to work with Quad members bilaterally and multilaterally on critical issues.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
31
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Accepted in Part
Given the strength of our bilateral defence relationships with Quad members and the correlation between the UK’s and Quad’s objectives, the UK should seek to join the Quad.
Government response. The government partially agrees, stating that membership of the Quad is not necessary but the UK will continue to work with Quad members bilaterally and multilaterally on critical issues.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
32
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Acknowledged
A Free and Open Indo-Pacific is the right basis for cooperation between widely differing countries in the region on common policy areas, as it establishes basic principles on which like-minded countries can agree and then move on to fashion shared approaches to putting them into practice. Again, if we wish …
Government response. The government agreed with the objective of a free and open Indo-Pacific and stated it is a clear, critical, and enduring aspect of the UK's international policy.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
33
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Deferred
The Government should propose to Australia and the United States that Japan and South Korea be invited to join an AUKUS technological defence cooperation agreement focused on Strand B activities only. (Paragraph 101) 70 Tilting horizons: the Integrated Review and the Indo-Pacific
Government response. The government will keep all options under consideration to ensure AUKUS Pillar II can adapt to the evolving technological landscape and notes the Committee’s recommendation on potential membership.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
34
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Deferred
In the face of challenges such as the more aggressive role of China in the South China Sea, the Five-Power Defence Arrangements, with their solid history of military cooperation, could be a firm basis for a wider regional alliance in Southeast Asia. (Paragraph 102) Human rights and the Rules-Based International …
Government response. The government partially agrees, highlighting the importance of diplomatic presence and building partnerships, and states it has already doubled the number of British High Commissions across Pacific Island Countries in the last four years, rather than addressing the role of …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
35
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Deferred
The Government should explain whether it is adopting a two-track approach: negotiating trade agreements separately from discussions on human rights, or a conditional approach: in which trade deals are explicitly linked to—and limited by— our trading partner’s human rights record.
Government response. The government partially agrees but does not explain its approach to linking trade agreements with human rights. Instead, it highlights its increased diplomatic presence and understanding of local context in Pacific Island Countries.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
36
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Rejected
It is unacceptable that trade should be prioritised over human rights to the extent that states that regularly violate human rights can continue to do so unsanctioned and our consumers, wittingly or unwittingly, participate indirectly by buying products made in inhumane conditions.
Government response. The government explicitly disagrees with the committee's conclusion, stating that trade is not being prioritised over human rights and outlining existing measures to address human rights violations in supply chains.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
37
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Accepted
The Government has as yet failed to sanction any companies for human rights abuses within their supply chains, demonstrating a lack of resolve towards preventing Uyghur forced labour products from flooding the UK. The Government should rectify this.
Government response. The government agrees it is unacceptable for states to violate human rights unsanctioned, and states the UK already takes robust action against human rights abuses in Xinjiang, including export controls, business guidance, and Magnitsky-style sanctions against Chinese officials and entities.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
38
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Accepted
The Government must not be silent on human rights abuses, including state hostage- taking, by autocracies like the PRC and should use its status as a permanent member of the UN Security Council to denounce such abuses and coordinate action to end them. (Paragraph 110) Capacity building
Government response. The government agrees to the recommendation and states it remains committed to using its UN Security Council seat to denounce human rights abuses, work with international partners, and make its position on human rights clear, citing a recent joint statement …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
39
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Deferred
The Government should establish a Diplomatic Academy in the Indo-Pacific region to build capacity in foreign policy formulation and diplomatic representation in partner governments that wish to make use of it. This would be a projection of soft power and the strength of rule of law and governance structures which …
Government response. The government agrees and is actively exploring options for new approaches to capacity building, including the feasibility of establishing a new UK training offer for partner governments in the Indo-Pacific.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
40
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Accepted
The Government could also seek to pursue programmes such as those suggested above [in the Capacity building chapter] through unifying organisations such as the Commonwealth grouping, and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. (Paragraph 125) Freeing up movement
Government response. The government partially agrees, explaining that the FCDO already operates a flexible language learning system aiming for 80% of speaker slots to be filled by C1/C2 language speakers, and develops language capability through existing operational and developmental training.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
41
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Deferred
The Government should assess Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans- Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) provisions supporting business mobility alongside existing commitments in bilateral agreements with countries in the Indo-Pacific such as the FTAs with Australia and New Zealand.
Government response. The government partially agrees but addresses its FCDO language learning system for speaker slots and staff development in the Indo-Pacific region, which is unrelated to assessing CPTPP business mobility provisions.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
42
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Deferred
We recommend that the Government examine current visa procedures with a view to facilitating entry for those visiting the UK from Indo-Pacific partner countries for purposes such as studying, teaching or doing business. (Paragraph 132) Tilting horizons: the Integrated Review and the Indo-Pacific 71 ASEAN
Government response. The government partially agrees but addresses its FCDO language learning system for speaker slots and staff development in the Indo-Pacific region, which is unrelated to examining visa procedures for visitors.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
43
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Accepted
It is vital to pursue links with Southeast Asian countries on both multilateral and bilateral tracks, respecting different value-systems and cultures.
Government response. The government agrees with the committee's conclusion on the vital importance of pursuing links with Southeast Asian countries multilaterally and bilaterally, highlighting its established relationship with ASEAN and individual member states.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
44
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Accepted
We recommend that as well as taking full advantage of the UK’s recently acquired status as a Dialogue Partner of ASEAN, the UK should begin negotiations for an FTA with ASEAN, and concentrate equally on building bilateral relationships with ASEAN members based upon cooperation on those countries’ development objectives and …
Government response. The government agrees, outlining how it is already leveraging its ASEAN Dialogue Partner status through a new Plan of Action, pursuing FTAs with Indonesia and India, and actively building bilateral relationships with ASEAN members through partnerships in areas like energy …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
45
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Accepted
A proximate objective should be the signing of wide-ranging agreements, like those the UK has with Malaysia and Indonesia, with other ASEAN member countries as appropriate, and where possible upgrading existing strategic partnership agreements to Economic and Financial Dialogues.
Government response. The government agrees on the importance of deepening engagement and signing wide-ranging agreements, noting existing strategic partnerships with Malaysia and Indonesia, a Digital Economy Agreement with Singapore, ongoing FTA negotiations with Indonesia, and an upgrade to the FTA with Korea.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
46
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Accepted in Part
Official Development Assistance (ODA) in the region should be targeted on regulatory improvement to strengthen the rule of law and build an effective business environment to encourage both domestic and inward investment. Progress on this should be measured by establishing a model composed of indicators based on World Bank and …
Government response. The government agrees on targeting ODA for regulatory improvement to strengthen the business environment and states the new ASEAN-UK Economic Integration Programme will promote regulatory excellence. However, it notes ODA also supports other priorities and does not commit to establishing …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
47
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Deferred
The UK Government should support visits by trade, science and education ministers both inward and outward with Taiwan.
Government response. The government's response discusses the BBC World Service and its operational independence, which is unrelated to the recommendation for supporting ministerial visits with Taiwan.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
48
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Deferred
Now that the UK is a full member of CPTPP it can and should campaign for Taiwan to be admitted.
Government response. The government partially agrees but shifts focus to the importance and independence of the BBC World Service and its language services, not addressing campaigning for Taiwan's admission to CPTPP.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
49
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Rejected
[The UK’s “One China” policy is not the same as China’s “One China” principle. Rather than agreeing to China’s claim to Taiwan, the UK, like other liberal democracies, merely acknowledges Beijing’s position.] This policy of acknowledgment needs to be better understood across Whitehall departments to prevent policymakers from misspeaking or …
Government response. The government explicitly disagrees with the recommendation, stating it does not intend to publish an additional China Strategy, as its approach is already outlined in the Integrated Review Refresh and the former Foreign Secretary’s Mansion House Speech.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
50
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Acknowledged
The UK needs to build on its existing cooperation with Taiwan and with like-minded partner countries to help achieve Taiwan’s peaceful objectives and strengthen its resilience. This is not a threat to the CCP, but a friendship with a fellow democracy.
Government response. The government agrees with the recommendation to build on existing cooperation with Taiwan and like-minded partners, citing ongoing contact with G7, efforts to promote British firms, and work on supply chain resilience through the Semiconductor Strategy.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
51
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Rejected
The UK Government must identify meaningful activities, and red lines, that enable it to shape and pursue an effective policy of deterrence diplomacy to contribute to 72 Tilting horizons: the Integrated Review and the Indo-Pacific the protection of the right of self-determination of the people of Taiwan. The last two …
Government response. The government explicitly disagrees with the recommendation, stating it will not publish an additional China Strategy to identify specific deterrence diplomacy activities or red lines for Taiwan, instead relying on its existing Integrated Review Refresh and Mansion House Speech approach …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
52
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Deferred
The UK should engage with Taiwanese and other major companies to secure inward investment in the semiconductor and wind industries in the UK to enhance resilience by building an alternative supply source for advanced semiconductors and wind energy components, whether this involves onshoring or friendshoring.
Government response. The government's response addresses the issue of foreign powers intimidating individuals in the UK, which is unrelated to the recommendation to secure inward investment from Taiwanese companies in semiconductors and wind industries.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
53
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Accepted in Part
The Government should press for Taiwan to take its place in international bodies, including the WHO, the OECD, the IEA and the CPTPP, for the benefit of all countries.
Government response. The government partially agrees, stating support for Taiwanese participation in international organizations as a member where statehood is not a prerequisite and as an observer or guest where it is, specifically citing support for observer status at the World Health …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
54
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Deferred
We recommend that the Government this year publish a plan to scale up its cooperation with Taiwan over the next five years on English language teaching in Taiwan and Mandarin teaching in the UK to meet the requirements of Taiwan’s Bilingual 2030 programme and the UK’s need to reduce dependence …
Government response. The government agrees but responds by stating that it will not tolerate attempts by any foreign power to intimidate, harass, or harm individuals or communities in the UK, failing to address the recommendation regarding language teaching cooperation with Taiwan or …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
55
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Acknowledged
We welcome the UK-Japan Digital Partnership signed in December 2022, under which the two countries will cooperate more closely in 14 areas.
Government response. The government agrees with the committee's welcome of the UK-Japan Digital Partnership, highlighting its contributions to app security, a new Semiconductors Partnership via the Hiroshima Accord, and the renewal of the Science and Technology Agreement.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
56
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Acknowledged
We also welcome the signing of the UK-Republic of Korea bilateral framework of cooperation in June 2022 and the July 2022 data adequacy agreement signed between the UK and the Republic of Korea, as well as the February 2022 Digital Economy Agreement between the UK and Singapore.
Government response. The government agrees with the committee's welcome, highlighting the signing of the UK-ROK Downing Street Accord, the launch of a new Digital Partnership to strengthen cooperation, and the data bridge regulation with the Republic of Korea coming into effect in …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
57
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Deferred
The Government should establish a timetable for signing a digital partnership agreement with the Republic of Korea similar to the one the UK has with Japan within the framework of the 2022 UK-Korea bilateral framework of cooperation. This should include cooperation on ensuring a reliable supply of semiconductors.
Government response. The government's response discusses China and Hong Kong's attempts to intimidate individuals, which is unrelated to the recommendation to establish a timetable for a digital partnership agreement with the Republic of Korea.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
58
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Deferred
The Government should support a formal agreement on closer engagement of AUKUS Strand B with Japan in the short term with a potential view to eventual Japanese membership of AUKUS, which would greatly strengthen AUKUS’ role in the Indo- Pacific.
Government response. The government agrees but responds with a general statement condemning attempts by China and Hong Kong to intimidate individuals and affirming the UK's commitment to freedom of expression, completely unrelated to supporting AUKUS engagement with Japan.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
59
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Accepted
The UK should negotiate with Japan an agreement on expanded cooperation on the teaching of English in Japan and Japanese in the UK. (Paragraph 200) India
Government response. The government agrees with the recommendation, noting that through the Hiroshima Accord, the UK and Japan have already agreed to re-vitalize people-to-people exchanges, including those focused on Japanese and English languages.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
60
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Accepted in Part
[Protecting national interests requires a continuation of the UK’s strong naval presence in the West Indian Ocean sector of the Indo-Pacific region that should be increasingly coordinated with like-minded countries, in particular France, the United States and India, to sustain and strengthen the UK’s key role there.] Tilting horizons: the …
Government response. The government partially agrees, welcoming Quad members' collaborative efforts and committing to continued bilateral and multilateral work with them, but states that full membership of the Quad is not necessary for the UK to deliver practical cooperation.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
61
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Deferred
The UK Government should review recent Indian legislation around transparency of ownership and consider whether any measures therein could be adopted in British legislation. The UK should prioritise big data, AI, biological engineering and tech manufacturing relationships with India. There is an opportunity for the UK to work with India …
Government response. The government partially agrees but then discusses strengthening national security protections related to the CCP, entirely missing the recommendation concerning reviewing Indian legislation and prioritising tech relationships with India.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
62
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Deferred
[The UK and India have completed seven rounds of negotiations on the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which should boost trade and investment between the two countries.] We are concerned that the pace of negotiations should be maintained so that agreement can be reached as soon as practicable.
Government response. The government partially agrees but responds by discussing the UK's commitment to strengthening national security protections against the CCP and prioritizing national security, not addressing the pace of UK-India Free Trade Agreement negotiations.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
63
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Rejected
We recommend that the Government set a deadline for the early conclusion of negotiations on the India-UK FTA. Unless already included in the FTA, the Government should also consider negotiating agreements with India similar to the UK-Australia supply chain and critical minerals agreements to establish shared principles of supply chain …
Government response. The government rejects setting a deadline for the India-UK FTA, stating it will only sign a deal in the UK's best interests. It acknowledges the importance of resilient supply chains and existing trade/cooperation with India on manufacturing, but does not …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
64
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Accepted in Part
The Government should also seek to support student numbers to grow from India, but also expand our Science and Technology co-operation, putting it at the centre of our ambitions with our Indian partners. (Paragraph 214) Indonesia
Government response. The government partially agrees regarding student numbers, welcoming Indian students as part of a broader goal to host 600,000 international students by 2030, but does not commit to increasing numbers from specific countries. It fully supports and is expanding Science …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
65
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Accepted
The UK’s approach to Indonesia should be underpinned by sufficient diplomatic capacity and greater political willingness than it is currently perceived to have. (Paragraph 216) Pacific Islands
Government response. The government agrees with the conclusion, affirming it has already increased diplomatic capacity in Indonesia, expanded ministerial engagement, and driven progress on the UK-Indonesia Roadmap, including a 30% trade increase and new cooperation agreements.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
66
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Accepted in Part
We encourage repeat visits by the Foreign Secretary to the Pacific Islands at appropriate intervals and recommend that the Government consider attending Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) meetings such as the PIF leaders meeting. We also recommend setting up a UK-Pacific Islands consultative body to widen and deepen cooperation between the …
Government response. The government agrees to sustained engagement, confirming recent visits by the Foreign Secretary and Minister for Indo-Pacific to Pacific Islands Forum meetings, with a commitment for ministers to remain engaged. However, it explicitly states it is not looking to create …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
67
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Tilting horizons: the I…
Accepted
The Government should explain if, and, if so, how it is supporting the Pacific Partnership and other efforts to end violence against women and girls (VAWG) in the Pacific Islands. (Paragraph 256) 74 Tilting horizons: the Integrated Review and the Indo-Pacific
Government response. The government agreed to explain and confirmed its ongoing support for efforts to end violence against women and girls in the Pacific Islands, detailing existing contributions to UN Women and the UN Trust Fund.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office