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- Britain commits to 25 million pounds (A$47 million) to strengthen the Indo-Pacific as part of a pact with Australia
- The money will strengthen regional resilience in areas including cyberspace, state threats and maritime security
- Both countries have expressed “grave concerns” about China’s policies in the far west region of Xinjiang
- Prime Minister Scott Morrison and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson have also called for peace across the Tawian Straight and warned Russia against invading Ukraine.
Britain has committed to strengthen security in the Indo-Pacific by investing 25 million pounds (A$47 million), as part of a pact with Australia.
Both countries have expressed “grave concerns” about China’s policies in the far west region of Xinjiang.
The money will strengthen regional resilience in areas including cyberspace, state threats and maritime security.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson have also called for peace across the Taiwan Strait and warned Russia against invading Ukraine.
“They agreed the need for de-escalation and underscored that any further Russian incursion in Ukraine would be a massive strategic mistake and have a stark humanitarian cost,” the leaders said in a joint statement.
“This complements Australia’s deep and longstanding involvement in regional security. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working with ASEAN and other partners in the region to ensure their countries’ support meets the region’s needs.”
This comes a week after Australia, US, Japan and India pledged to depend cooperation to ensure the Indo-Pacific region was free from “coercion.”
Additionally, the leaders said the AUKUS deal was progressing. Since the deal was announced all three partners have made progress in providing the Royal Australian Navy with nuclear powered submarines.
Earlier this month, the leaders welcomed the entry into force of exchange of naval nuclear propulsion information agreement, making it possible for the United Kingdom and the United States to share naval nuclear propulsion information with Australia.
“Leaders further welcomed the presence in Australia of UK and US officials to provide expert advice on the many facets of nuclear stewardship needed to operate a nuclear powered submarine capability,” the media release said.
