Catherine West MP, UK Indo-Pacific minister, briefs Asia House on the UK’s commitment to the region

Catherine West MP, UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Indo-Pacific), provided Asia House with the latest updates on the new UK government’s China and broader Indo-Pacific strategy at an off-the-record briefing on Thursday 10 October.

Speaking at Asia House just ahead of the government’s first 100 days in office, Minister West outlined the UK’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific, emphasising recent high-level engagements by UK ministers in the region, the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) scheduled for 15 December, and its dialogue partner status with ASEAN. The Minister also updated members on the government’s ongoing China audit, as well as the upcoming UK Investment Summit this month.

Asia House Corporate Members asked Minister West’s views on a wide range of topics, including the future of AUKUS, health collaboration between the UK and Asian countries, and how UK businesses can engage with regional strategies such as the ASEAN Digital Integration Framework.

Chaired by Asia House Chief Executive Michael Lawrence OBE, the briefing provided valuable insights into the new government’s approach to economic, security and foreign policy in the region.

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