UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey said that if conflict breaks out in the Taiwan Strait, the UK is ready to commit to combat in the Pacific region.
According to The Telegraph, Healey made these remarks on Sunday (July 27) while boarding the HMS Prince of Wales, a Royal Navy aircraft carrier docked at Darwin Port, Australia. The Prince of Wales is currently in Australia preparing to conduct joint exercises with allies such as the United States.
The report quoted Healey as saying: “If we ever have to go to war again, Australia and the UK will fight side by side. We will strengthen our readiness through joint drills—only with such closely coordinated preparedness can we more effectively deter adversaries.”
This is the clearest signal yet from the UK government regarding a potential Taiwan Strait conflict. However, Healey emphasized that he was speaking in general terms. He indicated that the UK still hopes to see regional disputes in the Indo-Pacific resolved peacefully through diplomatic channels.
According to The Telegraph, Healey made these remarks on Sunday (July 27) while boarding the HMS Prince of Wales, a Royal Navy aircraft carrier docked at Darwin Port, Australia. The Prince of Wales is currently in Australia preparing to conduct joint exercises with allies such as the United States.
The report quoted Healey as saying: “If we ever have to go to war again, Australia and the UK will fight side by side. We will strengthen our readiness through joint drills—only with such closely coordinated preparedness can we more effectively deter adversaries.”
This is the clearest signal yet from the UK government regarding a potential Taiwan Strait conflict. However, Healey emphasized that he was speaking in general terms. He indicated that the UK still hopes to see regional disputes in the Indo-Pacific resolved peacefully through diplomatic channels.