Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for UK policy of the Chinese Military Strategy white paper published in May 2015; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Hugo Swire, Minister of State at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office: China’s Defence White Paper reflects its growing military ambition and its desire to expand its capabilities beyond its immediate neighbourhood. The implications of the White Paper for UK policy are currently being considered by the Government’s Strategic Defence and Security Review team who will present their conclusions in due course.

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