The United Kingdom and East Asia Towards 2050

Abstract

Given the economic and political importance of East Asia, now that the UK has left the EU, it should make building a new relationship with the countries of the region a priority. The Japanese proposal that the UK might join the new CPTPP offers an intriguing possibility, but the UK should push for membership for it too of both Taiwan and South Korea. But if the UK is to build successful new relationships, its leaders, policy makers and businesses need to cast aside old-fashioned stereotypes and patronising assumptions. They need to move beyond relations built on soundbites such as the ‘golden era,’ and instead seek to build relationships based on shared values, mutual respect and understanding and a willingness to learn. It will require a readiness to engage in patient negotiations, in consensus-building and in multilateral diplomacy. Britain’s politicians will have to be more willing to travel, to listen more and preach less, and engage in sometimes difficult negotiations if they wish to wield influence on the world stage after Brexit. Whether this will be forthcoming remains to be seen.