As the whole world tilts toward diverse continent of Asia, with its enormous opportunities, it is right that we engage with all its nations

Since I was appointed Minister for Asia and the Pacific just over a year ago, I have crisscrossed the region—from Beijing to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur to Kathmandu, Hanoi to Honiara. 

In May, I visited Nepal and held discussions with Prime Minister K P Oli, Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali, CPN Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and many others on issues that are important to both the UK and Nepal. I made clear the UK’s commitment to helping build a more prosperous and stable Nepal and to support the government in achieving Sambriddha Nepal, Sukhi Nepali (Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali). 

It has been a privilege to meet a host of people from all over Asia, as well as those from the significant Asian diaspora in the UK. But I rarely have the opportunity to talk about the UK approach to Asia as a whole. 

Today, both in a speech in Jakarta and directly to you, I’d like to put that right. 

First, a short personal story. In 1962, my parents married in Singapore. My father was stationed there with the British Army. I grew up hearing their stories about life in Asia. My interest only grew stronger when I first visited this wonderful continent over twenty years ago. It was already so different from my parents’ photographs, and that change continues apace. 

Quite rightly, the UK’s relationship with Asia has changed too—from that of my parents’ time, more than half a century ago, to the partnership we enjoy today, with our eyes firmly fixed on the future.

We call our approach ‘All of Asia’, and we use the phrase ‘All of Asia’ deliberately. As the whole world tilts toward this diverse continent, with its enormous opportunities and yet some very real challenges, it is right that we engage with all its nations and regions. 

It is a continent of diversity, of energy, of economic ingenuity, and of young people, with one-third under the age of 25. Asia represents the future of this planet and I am passionate about seeing the UK continue to strengthen its partnerships across the region. 

Our relationships with the biggest economies in Asia are of vital importance to the UK. But the key issues of mutual interest, such as climate change, the illegal wildlife trade, technology, finance, security and research are relevant to ‘All of Asia.’ This is why the UK has over 50 diplomatic missions across Asia, including in all ten members of ASEAN. And it is why we are expanding still further, by opening three new Posts in the Pacific—in Tonga, Vanuatu and Samoa. 

On prosperity, security and our values, there is an enormous amount we are doing together, in a vast number of areas: from supporting democracy in Malaysia, and educational ventures in China, to spending £200 million across Asia to improve the business environment, to joint research linked to the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’, to standing up for regional security with our air power and ships. The list goes on.

No more is the depth of our relationship with Asia more apparent than with Nepal. In 2016 we celebrated 200 years of formal bilateral relations—the longest any country has had with Nepal. Today we work closely with Nepal on issues of shared concern such as climate change, the illegal wildlife trade, and human trafficking. The UK is Nepal’s steadfast development partner, providing around £100 million in assistance a year, including to support economic development and assist the most vulnerable, ensuring no one is left behind. We have committed over £140 million to post-earthquake assistance since 2015, including putting to use all of the £70 million pledged by the UK at the International Conference on Nepal’s Reconstruction. This is helping to rebuild the lives and livelihoods of those affected by that terrible tragedy. 

During my visit to the Red Cross prepositioning centre in Bhaktapur I saw a great example of how investing in disaster preparedness can make a real difference in times of emergency. And, of course, Nepali Gurkhas are a much valued part of the British Army.  

‘All of Asia’ recognises that Asia is the continent within which the world of the 21st century will be forged. It is about the UK and ‘All of Asia’ working together, in a partnership of equals, on the things that matter the most to people: getting a good education, finding a decent job, having their rights respected and feeling confident that their future is secure. Working together to build a future that is safer, more free and more prosperous for all. The UK looks forward to joining you all on this exciting journey. 

The author is UK Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office