UK’S ‘ALL OF ASIA’ APPROACH

As the whole world tilts towards this diverse continent, it is right that the UK engage with all its nations and regions

SINCE I was appointed the United Kingdom’s 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.

My first official visit to Kuala Lumpur in April coincided with the long-awaited announcement of the general election date. A month later, I congratulated the new Malaysian government on its historic election victory. This is an exciting time for Malaysia as the new government implements important reforms to strengthen the rule of law, good governance and democracy. I am looking forward to returning soon to see these changes for myself, to offer further UK support, and to strengthen the deep and long standing partnership between our two countries.

It has been a privilege to meet a host of people from all over Asia during my travels, 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.

Now, both in a speech in Jakarta and directly to you, I’d like to put that right.

First, a short personal story. In 1962, my parents married in Singapore. My father was stationed there with the British Army. I grew up hearing their stories about life in Asia. My interest only grew stronger when I first visited this wonderful continent over twenty years ago. It was already so different from my parents’ photographs, and that change continues apace.

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 onethird 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 the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. 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 (RM1 billion) 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.

“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. 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.

Asia represents the future of this planet and I am passionate about seeing the UK continue to strengthen its partnerships across the region.

The writer is minister of state for Asia and the Pacific, UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office