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People line the shore to watch as tug boats manoeuvre the 65,000-tonne British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth into Portsmouth Harbour in 2017. Photo: AFP
Opinion
Editorial
by SCMP Editorial
Editorial
by SCMP Editorial

Britain’s risky gamble in South China Sea

  • By sending an aircraft carrier strike group through disputed waters, London is inviting confrontation, whether by accident or design

Disputed waters are no place for nations to show off their military might. But that is what Britain will be doing in September when it sends an aircraft carrier strike group through the South China Sea on its way to Japan with the objective of permanently deploying two warships in the region. Accompanied by vessels from the United States and the Netherlands, it is guaranteed to get a frosty welcome from Beijing, which repeatedly calls for peace and stability as Washington and its allies increasingly ply the seas in the name of “freedom of navigation”. It is a dangerous strategy that risks confrontation, whether by accident or design.

Britain’s defence secretary recently made the announcement after meeting his Japanese counterpart in Tokyo. The two nations are deepening security under a pact perceived as mutually beneficial; British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is pushing a “global Britain” vision post-Brexit, while Japan is increasingly concerned about China’s growing military strength. Both are allies of Washington, which views Beijing as its biggest rival and competitor. Warships from fellow allied nations Australia, France and Germany have already also sailed through the South China Sea this year.

British warships in Asia-Pacific ‘could put China under pressure’

The British strike force will be the first of full strength to take to sea since the Falklands war in 1982. Centred on the new carrier Queen Elizabeth, which will have F-35B stealth fighter jets and attack and reconnaissance helicopters on its deck, the force includes two destroyers and frigates and a nuclear submarine. Stops in India, Singapore, Japan and South Korea will highlight alliances and its passing through the South China and East China seas lays markers as to intentions. London has not revealed where the two warships will be permanently deployed, although such commitment is about projecting power and promoting influence.

But the presence of another American ally in the region will also further antagonise Beijing. Chinese officials have repeatedly said China respects freedom of navigation in nearby waters under international law. But red lines can never be crossed when it comes to sovereignty. Britain and its allies have to be mindful of the risks as they sail through disputed waters.

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: Britain’s risky gamble in South China Sea
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