The European Union (EU) announced its strategy to bolster political and defence ties in the Indo-Pacific after the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), and Australia entered into a new trilateral security partnership to counter China’s growing influence in the region.
On Thursday, the EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said the Union was not consulted on the pact and accused the US of sidelining Europe. “We regret not having been informed, not having been part of these talks. We must survive on our own, as others do,” Borrell said.
The new trilateral partnership, the AUKUS, allows Australia to build at least eight nuclear-powered submarines with the technology shared by the US and the UK. The development has infuriated France, as Australia abandoned a $90 billion submarine deal with the former for this alliance. In this regard, Borrell said, “I understand the extent to which the French government must be disappointed.”
Supporting Borrell’s strategy, European Council President Charles Michel tweeted, “The AUKUS security partnership further demonstrates the need for a common EU approach in a region of strategic interest. A strong EU Indo-Pacific strategy is needed more than ever.” Michel added that the proposed strategy would be discussed with the heads of the EU states at the leaders’ summit in October.
According to a statement, the EU plan includes measures to ensure advanced naval deployment in the region to protect sea lines of communication and freedom of navigation. Additionally, it will establish cooperation with other countries in the region in infrastructure, data, health, trade, and the environment. Furthermore, EU personnel could be deployed to aid international missions, including sailing flagged ships to patrol the South China Sea. The new plan could thus enhance the Union’s diplomatic and military presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
The announcement comes amid increasing tensions between the Western countries and China as Beijing expands its military presence in the South China Sea. Beijing claims most of the international waters in the South China Sea as Chinese territory, which has caused concerns regarding sea lanes among other countries.
“Given the importance of a meaningful European naval presence in the Indo-Pacific, the EU will explore ways to ensure enhanced naval deployments by its member states in the region,” Borrell said. However, he stressed that the Union would avoid confrontation and promote cooperation with China.
EU Presents Its Own Indo-Pacific Strategy Following AUKUS Deal
European Union’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell announced a new EU strategy to shore up the bloc’s defences in the Indo-Pacific region after the UK, US, and Australia announced the AUKUS deal.
September 17, 2021
SOURCE: SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST