Executive summary
- The Strategic Defence Review (SDR), published in June 2025, outlined a ‘NATO [North Atlantic Treaty Organisation]-first, but not NATO only’ defence posture for the United Kingdom (UK). While it designates the Euro-Atlantic as the priority theatre for British defence efforts, it acknowledges the importance of the Middle East and Indo-Pacific to the UK’s security.
- The rise of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in the Indo-Pacific presents a challenge to Britain and other free and open nations with interests in the region. However, the UK’s strengths in the Indo-Pacific – including its soft power, membership of AUKUS, and the combined naval strength of Britain and its Indo-Pacific allies and partners – outmatches the PRC’s equivalents.
- The UK should build upon its existing presence in the Indo-Pacific in the aftermath of the deployment of Carrier Strike Group 2025 (CSG2025). This includes, for example, collaboration with its regional allies and partners in joint exercises, technological innovation, and strengthening multilateral institutions of which Britain is a member.
About the author
Rory Copinger-Symes CBE retired from the Royal Marines as a Brigadier, having served with US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) in Hawaii from 2016 to 2020. He is a Senior Adviser to Bondi Partners and SecureCloud+, a Non-Executive Director at Halo International Group, and an associate with Quirk Solutions. He serves as a Trustee of the Royal Marines Charity and runs the Commando Spirit alcohol brand.
Disclaimer
This publication should not be considered in any way to constitute advice. It is for knowledge and educational purposes only. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Council on Geostrategy or the views of its Advisory Council.
Image credit: UK Carrier Strike Group on Operation HIGHMAST, 2025, UK MOD © Crown copyright 2025
No. 2025/24| ISBN: 978-1-917893-15-2