Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to increase the number and frequency of 'freedom of navigation' operations through contested areas in the East and South China Seas, including the Taiwan Strait.

The Ministry of Defence does not routinely comment on future deployments for reasons of operational security. However, the UK has a clear interest in peace and stability in the East and South China Seas along with the Taiwan Strait, and remains committed to upholding international law and to freedom of navigation.