Supporting the U.S.-led international order, Britain will establish a new naval base in Southeast Asia. To be most effective, the Royal Navy should use that base to facilitate submarine operations.
Still, the U.S. should be grateful for Britain’s decision here. As first reported by the Sunday Telegraph, this decision isn’t an easy one. This is especially true in the context of the challenge of Brexit. After all, Britain is concerned that Brexit will lead to a short-medium term economic decline and possible recession. At the same time, however, China has been offering major economic investments to the U.K. in return for its silence on China’s agitation in the South China Sea. But where former British Prime Minister David Cameron chose the Chinese trough over the preservation of international order, Prime Minister Theresa May and her defense secretary, Gavin Williamson, are righting that mistake.
Yes, Britain needs increased defense capability, but this deserves American thanks.
Of course, this is also ultimately the right choice for British interests. As with the Trump administration, the British government recognize that China’s control over the west Pacific would corrupt democratic order and free trade in favor of Beijing’s feudal empire. In turn, it would mean increased prices for British consumers, and lower export opportunities for British businesses. A recipe, in short, for economic and political suffering. To prevent this outcome, Britain must help constrain China’s threat.
That brings us back to the base. As my map below shows, were the Royal Navy to establish a naval base in long-term ally Brunei, it would give the allies means of corralling Chinese forces. Limiting Chinese movement and offering force replenishment, a Brunei base would also provide another key benefit: strike power.
Namely, strike power via the deployment of at least one Astute-class submarine at the base at all times. Quiet, quick, and well-armed with powerful torpedoes, these submarines are also equipped with the high-capability 2076-Sonar system. This allows them to complement U.S. Virginia-class counterparts in threatening the enemy while unseen. Unseen is a necessity here. We must hope it does not come, but in any conflict with China, reliance on major capital surface ships would risk replicating a Force Z-style disaster (a concern the U.S. Navy would do well to note).
Ultimately, though, Americans should be grateful here. Britain faces compelling economic reasons to ignore China’s aggression in the South China Sea in favor of Beijing’s economic patronage. But choosing to stand alongside America in support of the U.S.-led international order, London proves its continuing worth as our closest ally.
