Why the UK is going 'All of Asia'
The writer speaking on UK's 'All of Asia' policy at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Jakarta on Aug 14.
Since I was appointed Minister for Asia and the Pacific just over a year ago, I have criss-crossed the region – from Beijing to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur to Kathmandu, Hanoi to Honiara.
It has been a privilege to meet a host of people from all over Asia, as well as those from the significant Asian diaspora in the UK. But I rarely have the opportunity to talk about the UK approach to Asia as a whole.
As I visited the Asean region again last week, I’d like to put that right.
First, a short personal story. In 1962, my parents married in Singapore. My father was stationed here with the British Army.
I grew up hearing their stories about their life in Asia, including the Tanglin Club and Raffles Hotel. My interest only grew stronger when I first visited this wonderful region over 20 years ago.
It was already so different from my parents’ photographs, and that change continues apace. Even the Tanglin Club and Raffles have seen many changes, as I saw on my visit to Singapore last year.
Quite rightly, the UK’s relationship with Asia has changed too - from that of my parents’ time, more than half a century ago, to the partnership we enjoy today, with our eyes firmly fixed on the future.
We call our approach ‘All of Asia’, and we use the phrase ‘All of Asia’ deliberately.
As the whole world tilts towards this diverse continent, with its enormous opportunities and yet some very real challenges, it is right that we engage with all its nations and regions.
It is a continent of diversity, of energy, of economic ingenuity, and of young people, with one-third under the age of 25. Asia represents the future of this planet and I am passionate about seeing the UK continue to strengthen its partnerships across the region.
Our relationships with the biggest economies in Asia are of vital importance to the UK.
But, the key issues of mutual interest, such as climate change, the illegal wildlife trade, technology, finance, security and research are relevant to All of Asia.
This is why the UK has over 50 diplomatic missions across Asia, including in all 10 members of Asean.
And it is why we are expanding still further, by opening three new posts in the Pacific – in Tonga, Vanuatu and Samoa.
On prosperity, security and our values, there is an enormous amount we are doing together, in a vast number of areas: from supporting democracy in Malaysia, and educational ventures in China, to spending £200 million (S$350 million) across Asia to improve the business environment, to joint research linked to the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’, to standing up for regional security with our air power and ships; the list goes on.
For example, over 4,000 British companies have a presence in Singapore alone, employing over 50,000 people and there is more than S$60 billion of UK investment in Singapore.
We are aiming for continuity of the European Union’s Free Trade Agreements with Singapore and Vietnam in our future trading relationship whilst exploring the potential for the UK to accede to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and looking for other ways to increase trade and investment between Britain and Asean Member States.
In terms of security the UK remains fully committed to the Five Power Defence Arrangements with Singapore and Australia, Malaysia and New Zealand.
Three Royal Navy Ships are visiting the region this year and conducting exercises with Asean nations.
The Counter Improvised Explosive Device operators that Singapore is deploying to Iraq will be integrated with the British Army to train Iraqis as we work together to tackle the terror threat in the Middle East, just as the UK has been providing training programmes for our Asean partners to increase their abilities to counter terrorism closer to home.
Cyber security is an increasingly important area where the UK, Singapore and Asean are working together.
For example the UK and Singapore recently agreed to collaborate together on cybersecurity capacity-building in Commonwealth and Asean countries over the next two years.
On the environment the UK has a multi-million pound programme to accelerate the transition to low carbon energy sources in South-east Asia and a specific renewable energy programme for Indonesia.
I believe this demonstrates that the UK is a credible partner for All of Asia. A credible security partner. A credible development partner and a credible economic partner.
While the UK remains a member of the EU we continue to support the EU’s free trade negotiations with countries across the region.
As we prepare to exit the EU we are looking to ensure continuity for our existing EU trade deals and considering options for new bilateral trade agreements.
‘All of Asia’ recognises that Asia is the continent within which the world of the 21st Century will be forged.
It is about the UK and ‘All of Asia’ working together, in a partnership of equals, on the things that matter the most to people: getting a good education, finding a decent job, having their rights respected and feeling confident that their future is secure.
It is also about finding the right innovation and technology to make lives better and that is why the UK is looking to collaborate even more on the development of smart cities right across Asia.
Working together to build a future that is safer, more free and more prosperous for all. The UK looks forward to joining you all on this exciting journey.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mark Field is the British Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific.
