Corrected oral evidence: Defence concepts and capabilities: from aspiration to reality | In Committee : 1st November 2022

Bob Stewart: From the point of view of the security of Taiwan and of the South China sea, the Government are obviously worried about that, as they sent a fleet there and an aircraft carrier through, but we still haven’t got the—am I allowed to use the word?—balls to actually put our aircraft carrier west-about Taiwan rather than east-about. The aircraft carrier went east-about to avoid offending the Chinese, because east-about is in the Taiwan straits. We as a Parliament should demonstrate solidarity with Taiwan.

China: Security and Trade (IRDC Report) Vol. 824 | Lords Debate : 20th October 2022

On Thursday 14th July, Lord West of Spithead (Labour), the former First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, tabled a question for short debate in the House of Lords on topic of China.

The question tabled was ‘To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they will take to respond to the long-term security challenges posed by China.’

China Vol. 823 | Lords Debate : 14th July 2022

On Thursday 14th July, Lord West of Spithead (Labour), the former First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, tabled a question for short debate in the House of Lords on topic of China.

The question tabled was ‘To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they will take to respond to the long-term security challenges posed by China.’

Taiwan Vol. 819 | Lords Debate : 3rd March 2022

So what might we do when institutions are subverted? By way of example, might the United Kingdom lead by suggesting to its partners that we join an informal and temporary coalition of countries to simultaneously recognise on the same day the sovereignty of Taiwan—a vibrant and brave democracy which has been referred to during this debate, where the rule of law is upheld and diversity and difference are respected?