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British economic strategy and regional institutions in Asia, 2016–2024

Author

Listed:
  • Tim Summers

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

  • Chen Li

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

  • Chunzi Miao

    (Nanyang Technological University)

Abstract

This paper examines the British approach to Asia and its regional institutions from the Brexit vote in 2016 to the British general election of July 2024. The paper analyses official government statements and debates among political elites about Britain’s foreign policy posture in the region, from the broad ‘Indo-Pacific tilt’ and the Belt and Road Initiative to engagement with specific regional institutions such as ASEAN, BRI, AIIB, CPTPP and bilateral trade and investment agreements. It argues that approaches to regional institutions in and across Asia are driven by a combination of a dominant policy view that there is a need to engage with Asia which is becoming economically and strategically more important in a changing world, alongside a desire to decentre China in British strategic approaches to the region (partly in response to US-China strategic rivalry). However, given China’s centrality to regional economic growth in Asia, this approach creates contradictions which are rarely addressed in British policy debates. This paper will contribute not only to understanding British foreign policy, but also shed light on the evolving “new regionalism” and power dynamics across the Indo/Asia–Pacific, and how actors external to the region view and engage with the development of regional institutions in Asia.

Suggested Citation

  • Tim Summers & Chen Li & Chunzi Miao, 2024. "British economic strategy and regional institutions in Asia, 2016–2024," Asia Europe Journal, Springer, vol. 22(4), pages 403-421, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:asiaeu:v:22:y:2024:i:4:d:10.1007_s10308-024-00711-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10308-024-00711-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tim Summers & Hiu Man Chan & Peter Gries & Richard Turcsanyi, 2022. "Worsening British views of China in 2020: evidence from public opinion, parliament, and the media," Asia Europe Journal, Springer, vol. 20(2), pages 173-194, June.
    2. Stephen, Matthew D. & Skidmore, David, 2019. "The AIIB in the Liberal International Order," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 12(1), pages 61-91.
    3. Edward Ashbee, 2021. "First mover advantage: the United Kingdom and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank," Asia Europe Journal, Springer, vol. 19(4), pages 411-425, December.
    4. Edward Ashbee, 2024. "The United Kingdom, the Belt and Road Initiative, and policy amalgams," Asia Europe Journal, Springer, vol. 22(1), pages 63-83, March.
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