The United Kingdom has announced that its Carrier Strike Group will be deployed to the Indo-Pacific region in 2025 as it makes a visit to Japan. That’s according to U.K. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, who made the announcement on Thursday while visiting Japan’s Yokosuka Naval Base.
According to British newspaper The Times, Shapps said that freedom of navigation is protected under international law and covers the Taiwan Strait and other high seas. However, Shapps adds that the navigational routes for the carrier group have yet to be finalized.
In a statement on the U.K.’s government website, Shapps is quoted as saying that deployments such as this send strong messages of deterrence, while also allowing for engagement with key partners. Shapps says Japan is the U.K.’s closest security partner in Asia, and the visit will serve to further improve ties.
The statement adds that the group will carry out exercises alongside the Japanese military, which will “help defend peace and stability” in the Indo-Pacific region.