Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on the long-term military posture and stability of Asia and the Pacific.

Russia's unprovoked aggression against Ukraine has profound global implications, including for the Asia Pacific Region. The flagrant violation of international law and of the UN Charter it represents resonate around the world. That is why 141 nations, including many in the Asia Pacific Region, condemned Russia's action in the United Nations General Assembly.

We believe that most countries in the Asia Pacific region are deeply concerned by Russia's actions, and its implications for broader stability including in their region. It is too early to draw any conclusions on their military posture. We are continuing with the Defence contribution to the Government's Indo-Pacific Tilt including through our deployment of the Littoral Response Group (South), our relationships with Kenya and Oman projecting into the Western Indian Ocean, our growing partnerships with India, Japan and Republic of Korea, and our deployments of the Offshore Patrol Vessels HMS SPEY and HMS TAMAR.