The UK will increase its military and economic presence in the Indo-Pacific to support regional stability, Keir Starmer will announce on Saturday.
In an effort to counter China’s influence, ministers will expand the Royal Navy’s presence in the region and carry out more joint patrols with Pacific island nations.
The prime minister has warned that the UK “cannot turn a blind eye” to challenges its allies face on the other side of the world.
He will announce the plans as he prepares to fly home from Samoa, where he has been attending the Commonwealth heads of government meeting (Chogm).
The navy patrols will focus on maritime security, combatting illegal fishing and responding to the natural disasters that blight the South Pacific, one of the most disaster-prone regions in the world.
The UK has two patrol vessels persistently deployed in the Indo-Pacific, including HMS Tamar, which has been supporting Samoa with security at Chogm.
Ministers will also set up a Pacific business club alongside Australia and cooperate on renewable energy projects with New Zealand.
Geopolitical competition for influence in the South Pacific is growing rapidly, sparking concerns about the militarisation of the region.
The Guardian has reported on the proliferation of military and security agreements between Pacific countries and Australia, the US and China, with western powers responding to China’s growing presence.
“My visit to the Pacific this week has only reinforced how important this part of the world is to the United Kingdom’s prosperity and security, and I know across business, trade and defence we play a vital role in supporting the region too,” Starmer said in a statement.
“As responsible international players, we cannot turn a blind eye to the challenges faced by our friends and partners on the other side of the world, so my message today is clear: this is just the beginning of our commitment to the Indo-Pacific.”
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After a foreign policy and security review they carried out in 2021, the Conservatives under Boris Johnson announced an “Indo-Pacific tilt” in which the UK would focus on building trade and security ties with the region. There have been questions over whether Labour will embrace the Indo-Pacific tilt in government.
Ministers said the expansion in the Indo-Pacific would also focus on growth, with a Pacific business club aiming to help businesses invest in developing countries in the region.
The purpose of the club will be to act as a launchpad for investors and create links between businesses and regional governments.
The government will also work with New Zealand to develop renewable energy projects in the Pacific by raising private investment and making it easier for businesses to move into the market. David Lammy, the foreign secretary, is expected to announce further details with his New Zealand counterpart later this year.
