Hong Kong (CNN)When the British defense minister revealed this week that new military bases were being considered in Asia, critics questioned whether London has the money — or strategic vision — to carry out such a plan.

But an examination of recent British defense initiatives shows that far from being an off-the-cuff play, a base in Asia would be a logical extension of moves made over the last few years.
Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson broached ideas for a post-Brexit British military in an interview with the Sunday Telegraph.

“This is our biggest moment as a nation since the end of the Second World War,” Williamson said.

“This is our moment to be that true global player once more — and I think the armed forces play a really important role as part of that.”

The British frigate HMS Argyll (center) in October takes part in Exercise Bersama Lima 2018, which also included vessels from the Malaysian, Singapore, Australian and New Zealand navies.

The British frigate HMS Argyll (center) in October takes part in Exercise Bersama Lima 2018, which also included vessels from the Malaysian, Singapore, Australian and New Zealand navies.

While Williamson said new British bases could be in “the Far East,” defense sources specifically mentioned Singapore and Brunei to the Telegraph.

From a British standpoint, those countries make sense. Both still host small British military contingents — a legacy from the first half of the 20th century, when Britain, then a world superpower, wielded control over both as a colony (Singapore) or a protectorate (Brunei).

And both sit on the South China Sea, where Beijing’s shadow looms large.

https://edition.cnn.com/2019/01/03/asia/britain-military-bases-asia-intl/index.html