Rob Butler, Conservative MP for Aylesbury asked the Prime Minister: “Alongside the threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine there are real fears of China invading Taiwan. On Sunday, Beijing staged the largest incursion into Taiwan’s airspace since October. Does he agree with me that military aggression and threat of occupation are never acceptable anywhere in the world and will he confirm that under this Conservative Government, the UK will always be at the forefront of standing up forcefully for freedom and democracy, security and stability.
Mrs Theresa May, (Maidenhead) (Con): My right hon. Friend said yesterday that this partnership has
“the aim of working hand in glove to preserve security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.” What are the implications of this pact for the stance and response the United Kingdom would take should China attempt to invade Taiwan?
Nick Smith, (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): I welcome the statement. China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region can be destabilising, particularly in the South China sea. What support will be given to Taiwan at this difficult time?
Sir Iain Duncan Smith, (Chingford and Woodford Green) (Con): I thank my right hon. Friend for his statement. Has he noticed that the Chinese Government, since our departure from Afghanistan, have used Afghanistan to up their threats on Taiwan, with hundreds of overflights threatening the Taiwanese and telling them that, when the war comes, the US will not be there to support them?