A Command Paper released by the UK Defence Ministry on Tuesday says that Russia’s actions pose an immediate threat to the security of the UK and Europe.
The paper, titled “Defence’s Response to a more contested and volatile world,” calls China an “enduring global challenge” and regards Iran and North Korea as “volatile threats” to the world. The report also mentioned India as a key partner of the UK.
The Russian Threat
The paper reaffirmed that Russia “was and is the greatest threat to European security.” It said, “Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine was not simply an assault on a proud and sovereign nation. It was also an attack on our values, European security, and the open international order.”
It stated, “The immediate threat to the Euro-Atlantic region, and to the UK, has increased sharply as a result of Russia’s actions.”
The report said that, despite Russia’s failures in Ukraine significantly weakening its land and guided weapon capabilities, Moscow retains capable nuclear and strategic forces.
It further criticised the Russian government’s willingness to resort to irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and mentioned that Russia’s maritime and air forces remain largely intact.
China — An Enduring Global Challenge
According to the paper, China’s rapid military modernisation and growing assertiveness within the Indo-Pacific pose an increasing challenge.
China is said to pose an enduring and epoch-defining global challenge to British interests — including defence interests — through its increasingly assertive and coercive behaviour as it seeks to rewrite the international order that has provided stability and prosperity for generations.
Despite previous Chinese claims of its peaceful rise, China has refused to renounce using force to achieve its objectives concerning Taiwan, the report adds.
It highlights that, escalating tensions in the Indo-Pacific, driven by China’s actions, present a direct challenge to the region.
Iran, North Korea — Volatile Threats
The report regards Iran and North Korea as volatile threats to security in their regions and beyond.
It explains that, in the last two years, the two countries have conducted destabilising activities across their respective regions and sought to advance their nuclear programmes, thereby threatening global security. The report said these efforts are expected to continue.
India — A Key Partner
The report mentions India as a key partner of the UK. It states that nurturing and growing the relationship with India will remain a significant component of the UK’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.
It further outlines that the UK intends to work with India in the Western Indian Ocean, as the UK recognises the important role India has to play on the global stage.
Additionally, the paper emphasises that the UK will seek to deepen industrial partnerships, move capability collaboration to new levels, and explore shared export opportunities with India, building on the UK-India 2030 Roadmap.
Russia is the Greatest Threat to European Security: UK Defence Ministry Report
The paper titled “Defence’s Response to a more contested and volatile world” also called China an ‘enduring global challenge’ and regarded Iran and North Korea as ‘volatile threats’ to the world.
July 19, 2023
IMAGE SOURCE: AP PHOTO/EFREM LUKATSKYA Ukrainian soldier against the background of an apartment house ruined by Russian shelling in Borodyanka, Ukraine, on 6 April 2022.