The Bishop of Exeter received the following written answers on 26th May 2022:
The Lord Bishop of Exeter asked Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the security pact between the People’s Republic of China and the Solomon Islands.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con): As set out in the Integrated Review (March 2021), the UK is committed to and strategically focussed on the Indo-Pacific region. As a longstanding partner and friend, the UK works to support peace and prosperity for the people of Solomon Islands and across the Pacific region. Our recent deployment of a UK Emergency Medical Team demonstrates our commitment to Solomon Islands.
The Lord Bishop of Exeter asked Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the People’s Republic of China’s involvement in Papua New Guinea.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con): As set out in the Integrated Review (March 2021), the UK is committed to and strategically focussed on the Indo-Pacific region. The UK and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have shared priorities including protecting the environment, security, stability, economic development and tackling climate change. Following PNG’s request for assistance, the UK sent an Emergency Medical Team in October 2021, which provided clinical care support to PNG’s healthcare workers.
The Lord Bishop of Exeter asked Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Australia to ensure an integrated response to the growing influence of the People’s Republic of China in the South Pacific.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con): As set out in the Integrated Review (March 2021), the UK is committed to and strategically focussed on the Indo-Pacific region. The UK’s close partnership with Australia is an important part of this Indo-Pacific focus. As champions of freedom and democracy, the UK and Australia work together to defend our values, in line with the UK’s commitment to build a ‘network of liberty’. The Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary visited Australia in January 2022 for talks to strengthen economic, diplomatic and security ties. UK officials also regularly meet their Australian counterparts to discuss a wide range of topics, including supporting the development needs of countries in the Pacific.
The Church of England in Parliament 
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