Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Australia to ensure an integrated response to the growing influence of the People's Republic of China in the South Pacific.

As set out in the Integrated Review (March 2021), the UK is committed to and strategically focussed on the Indo-Pacific region. The UK's close partnership with Australia is an important part of this Indo-Pacific focus. As champions of freedom and democracy, the UK and Australia work together to defend our values, in line with the UK's commitment to build a 'network of liberty'. The Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary visited Australia in January 2022 for talks to strengthen economic, diplomatic and security ties. UK officials also regularly meet their Australian counterparts to discuss a wide range of topics, including supporting the development needs of countries in the Pacific.