Hague says Britain eyes increased role in Asia but won't take sides

Britain's position is clear and her presence in the region may also help take some of the weight off the USA's shoulders. Britain welcomes Chinese money (lots of Chinese investment in the UK) but I think China will be particularly sensitive to some of Hague's phrasing:

Hague said [...] that trade and security are closely related and thrive in open and free societies that follow the rule of law.

We want Britain to be a leading partner with Asian countries, in trade and commerce, in culture, education and development, and in foreign policy and security

Britain is "investing in our relationships across the Asia-Pacific," particularly with its "old friends" - Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia.

I assure you that we will always encourage not just here but all over the world ... a rules-based rather than a power-based solution to disputes

Britain says it will not take sides. And certainly it doesn't want to disturb trade with China. But Britain is allied with Australia which is allied with the US which is...well, you get the picture.

America's English dog is coming to the compound to dig and stir up more shit. Shoot it before it causes more trouble.

global ,there is not that much to worry about as most of the decisions made by the british government are decided by the big international companies and therefore are all profit related we no longer have much desire to re-establish our world empire . Its all about the emerging markets and where the greatest profits can be made .

"Hague said Britain supported resolving disputes in accordance with international law but “we don’t take a position on the substance of the claim.”

That already says that Britain does not agree with China's approach to changing the status quo through intimidation and force.

Britain is looking at increasing its involvement in Asia’s economy and security but will not take sides in territorial disputes in the South China Sea

How can Britain get involved in security issues without taking sides? Is he saying that Britain is going to build its own territory in South China Sea, so that it gets involved in security issues without taking sides?

I like what he said " old friends...fit for 21 century...law based...successful China..." , all sound very good, smooth ,friendly. Now I am eager to see how Britain will handle hard issues like chinese laws versus international laws; fishing rights for Vietnamese , Phillipino fishermen; Yasukuni visit criticised by people who have no hesitation to worship Mao...

Everyone wants to follow the America's lead, and "pivot" to Asia. Most natural thing. They are all welcome. Especially the remote countries.

The only people not happy about this are the Americans. They'll lose their exclusive dominance. Rest assured they will punish Japan for this.

Hague said Britain supported resolving disputes in accordance with international law but “we don’t take a position on the substance of the claim.”

Translation, if it's not yours don't claim it.

With its continued declaration of "support for its allies", the US is clearly not seen as an even handed leader in the Asian matters. So its ability to mediate in Asia is as useless as its ability mediate in the Israel/Palestinian affairs.

So the British are quite welcome. China would welcome it certainly. Even Japan should welcome it. In fact, bring the whole UN in here even better, Ban Ki-Moon, the Russians, the French, Germans, Brazilians, South Africans, everybody. Make this a world stage, good for everybody.

Good for everybody, except the US, that is.

Hague said Britain supported resolving disputes in accordance with international law

Well, there you are then Japan - a dispute over the Diaoyu islands does exist

OssanAmericaFeb. 01, 2014 - 09:10AM JST

Britain says it will not take sides. And certainly it doesn't want to disturb trade with China. But Britain is allied with Australia which is allied with the US which is...well, you get the picture.

Great, Ossan.

I am just very uneasy about British.

We had already made a mistake once before believing Tony Blair's Yellow Cake story and we all went to Iraq. You know the rest of the story..... and there are more to be told in history.

Hague says Britain eyes increased role in Asia but won't take sides

Britain is a trouble maker in world history. Look what is going on in the middle east. Oh dear..........

Well, everyone can see that a territorial dispute exists over the Diaoyu islands. Everyone except Japan that is. Perhaps Britain could act as a mediator in the dispute.

Due to its past history with Japan, Anglo-Japan alliance and all that, Britain is in a unique position to mediate between China and Japan on the Diaoyu islands