Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations to the Chinese Government on reports that they plan to construct an underwater military facility in the disputed South China Sea territory.

The Government is concerned by reports of militarisation of the South China Sea, and any threat or implied threat of force. We monitor the situation and oppose any action which changes the facts on the ground, raises tensions or hinders the chance of peaceful settlement of the disputes. The UK has enduring interests in the region and has a clear interest in regional peace and stability, and respect for freedom of navigation and overflight.