The Trump administration is urging the UK to scale back its military presence in Asia and redirect its focus on to European security, marking a significant policy shift from the Biden era.
Pentagon uneasy about UK presence in Indo-Pacific
According to sources first reported by the Financial Times, US Under-Secretary of Defence for Policy, Elbridge Colby, has made it clear to British officials that the UK should prioritise the Euro-Atlantic region – particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine and renewed threats from Russia. The Pentagon is reportedly uneasy about the planned deployment of HMS Prince of Wales to the Indo-Pacific later this year.
This stance contrasts sharply with that of the previous administration. Under President Biden, the US actively encouraged European allies to increase their military footprint in the Indo-Pacific to counterbalance China’s growing influence and assertiveness, particularly around Taiwan. The UK’s earlier deployment of HMS Queen Elizabeth to the region in 2021 was welcomed as a “historic” move.
UK focusing on Europe frees up US to handle China
Colby’s view is that by handling more of its own regional defence, Europe would enable the US to concentrate its military resources on deterring China. He recently pushed European countries to boost defence spending to 5% of GDP, suggesting Japan should exceed its 2% target and Taiwan should spend as much as 10%.
While some security experts agree with Colby’s rationale – citing limited European military capacity – others warn that global threats are too interconnected to be addressed in isolation.
UK sticking to its plan
The UK’s Ministry of Defence said it continues to coordinate closely with both US and Indo-Pacific allies and reaffirmed plans for HMS Prince of Wales to participate in joint exercises later this year.
