Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 32
32
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 97
Free and Open Indo-Pacific" provides vital basis for cooperation and upholding shared values.
Conclusion
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 to prevent the undermining of international standards and the values of the rules-based system, our joining some Indo-Pacific specific organisations is crucial, to support our allies and uphold those values. The PRC should not perceive, or falsely portray, increased multilateral partnership and engagement as being hostile, or directed at the PRC. Any effort to do so should be exposed for the false narrative that it is.
Government Response Summary
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.
Paragraph Reference:
97
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Our objective of a free and open Indo-Pacific where countries can make choices free from coercion, where territorial integrity is respected and disputes are resolved in line with international law is very clear. The Government agrees the Indo-Pacific must form a long term and enduring aspect of the UK’s international policy. A free and open Indo-Pacific is critical to our economy, our security and to our interest in an open and stable international order.