BRITAIN, France and possibly Germany are preparing strategies to keep an eye on China in the disputed South China Sea.
The European powers are considering how to increase their presence in the contested South China Sea as tensions over the waters has continued to remain high. Britain and France are permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and have nuclear powers with “blue water” naval capabilities.
Last year, France released a regional strategy paper which stated that it would “cement its posture as a regional power of the Indo-Pacific, working to protect its sovereign interests and the security of its citizens, while actively contributing to international stability.”
In September, Germany also said that it aims to make “an active contribution to shaping the international order in the Indo-Pacific”.
Its statement was said to be significant as Germany does not have territorial possessions in the area or “blue water” naval capabilities.