MILITARY ALLIANCES
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent progress his Department has made on developing ties between the British and Chinese armed forces; and if he will make a statement. [173502]
Dr Murrison, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and Minister for International Security Strategy: Our bilateral military ties with China comprise a programme of high level visits, expert level exchanges, short-term training courses (mainly related to Peace Support Operations and Counter-Piracy) and a small number of places for Chinese students in defence education establishments.
Recently our links have improved; we have hosted a visit to the UK by a delegation led by a Chinese Military Region Commander as part of our efforts o engage with Chinese senior military leaders who were promoted in 2012. We have also begun talks with China on the conduct of Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations, are expanding our dialogues on maritime issues, and have increased UK participation on Chinese defence courses.
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the agenda for the next Five Powers Defence Chiefs Conference. [173508]
Dr Murrison, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and Minister for International Security Strategy: The agenda for the next Five Powers Defence Chiefs Conference has not yet been agreed. However, once it has been, I will place a copy in the Library of the House.
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the UK's obligations are under the Five Powers Defence Arrangements. [173511]
Dr Murrison, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and Minister for International Security Strategy: Under the Five Powers Defence Arrangements, the five powers (Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore and the UK) undertook to consult "immediately" in the event or threat of an armed attack on Malaysia or Singapore "for the purpose of deciding what measures should be taken jointly or separately" in response. There is no specific commitment to intervene militarily.