The “Integrated Review of Security, Development Defense and Foreign Policy,” released last week, underscores the U.K. government’s commitment to “Global Britain.” High on its list of priorities is the Indo-Pacific region: The review pledges that London will be “deeply engaged” with the region, which is emerging as the global “geopolitical and economic center of gravity.”
It’s a common sentiment. National governments and the European Union itself have recognized the need for more systematic and strategic engagement with Indo-Pacific partners. While encouraging, hopes should be tempered. Europe is a long way away, and history, distance and the EU’s priorities will limit those governments’ attempts to shape regional developments. Europe can add ballast to Asian affairs, but it is unlikely to actively influence them.
Britain’s Integrated Review has been called “a tilt to the Indo-Pacific,” a region that is "the crucible for many of the most pressing global challenges.” Central to that characterization is China, which London calls “a systemic challenge ... to our security, prosperity and values — and those of our allies and partners.” That assessment is shared by the European Union, which labeled China a “systemic rival” in its 2019 strategy. The EU is still struggling to implement a strategy that backs engagement when possible and competition when required. The U.K. will face similar difficulties when it attempts to operationalize the Integrated Review.