UK 'ready to fight' over Taiwan

UK's Defence Secretary, John Healey, affirmed the UK's readiness to engage in potential conflict over Taiwan, emphasizing strong partnerships with Australia. Speaking aboard the HMS Prince of Wales in Darwin, he stated,

"If we have to fight, as we have done in the past, Australia and the UK are nations that will fight together."

Despite these remarks, he expressed a preference for peaceful resolutions through diplomacy. The UK aims to assert its right to freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait amid rising tensions from China. The HMS Prince of Wales's deployment signifies the UK's commitment to regional security and cooperation with allies.

However, Healey maintained that there would be no formal changes in the UK's approach to Taiwan unless China's aggression escalates further.