The United Kingdom plans to step up its naval activity in the Pacific, including more joint fishing patrols, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer seeks to show support for United States-led efforts to check China’s expanding maritime reach. Starmer will announce increased Royal Navy operations in the region while in Samoa on Saturday to attend the final day of the Commonwealth heads of government meeting. The efforts will include expanded patrols with Pacific Island nations to respond to natural disasters and counter illegal fishing, a growing concern for the region as Chinese fleets—often escorted by government security vessels—sail further abroad for stocks.

UK to expand Pacific fishing patrols in pushback against China. (2024, October 28). Business Mirror, p. A5.