The tranquility of the South China Sea has been broken again since the British aircraft carrier strike group arrived from halfway around the world for its 'Indo-Pacific mission' earlier in July. All of a sudden, it grabbed the attention of global media making people wonder the real intention behind this move and what tension it will create between China and the West.

In a recent article on the tension stirred by the British warship, Leslie Fong, former Editorial Chief of The Straits Times, reminds people of the Amethyst Incident in which a British sloop Amethyst was hit and grounded in 1949 because it sailed along the Yangtze River to Nanjing despite repeated warnings from the People's Liberation Army.

Aerial photo taken on July 13, 2020 shows an expedition vessel in the South China Sea. (Photo/Xinhua)

"Although the Amethyst Incident took place 72 years ago, one of the lessons still relevant for the British forces would be the danger of under-estimating the Chinese people's resolve to defend their sovereignty," said Leslie Fong at an interview with GDToday, "can a similar conflict happen in the South China Sea today? I certainly hope not but I cannot rule out an accident, sparked off by some reckless move on the part of forces in Taiwan that wish to provoke a clash."

"What the British expedition achieved remains doubtful"

GDToday: What's the intention of the British force? It's said that Britain will keep two warships permanently in East Asia: what do you think of the U.K.'s role in the US Indo-Pacific strategy?

Leslie Fong: I am still trying to understand what the British expedition achieved. Did it succeed in flying the flag for Britain when the whole world knew the Royal Navy had to borrow men and aircraft from other countries for the foray? At what cost to British taxpayers? Did it rattle Beijing? Did it impress Southeast Asian nations? Would keeping two warships permanently in this region make Britain a force to be reckoned with by Beijing? As for Britain's contribution to the US strategic deployment, well, remember what Lloyd Austin said?

"What seems settled, though, is that the United States does not think the strike group's appearance in the South China Sea is a good idea. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said in Singapore last week that Britain could perhaps 'be more helpful in other parts of the world'. Ouch!" (Leslie Fong, As Britain's warship transits South China Sea, memories of 1949 Yangtze naval clash resurface)

GDToday: Germany is also sending a frigate to the Indo-Pacific region. What roles do these European countries want to play in the South China Sea issue? How do you think they will affect the issue?

Leslie Fong: What I said with regard to British deployment would apply to similar expeditions by other European countries, whether Germany or France. However, while such actions might not be very meaningful in military terms, one should not overlook the political implications. Put it bluntly, some Western nations are signaling to the world that they are rallying behind the US in the latter's bid to contain China. Of course, it could be just a token show of hands possibly under pressure from Washington.

"China, ASEAN countries can keep situation stable themselves"

GDToday: On August 2, the US launched a large-scale military exercise with Britain, Australia and Japan in the Indo-Pacific region -the first of its kind in more than four decades. What pressure will US bring to the Asian countries, especially Southeast Asian countries? How will the intensified tension affect the China-ASEAN relationships?

Leslie Fong: The US is using the South China Sea issue as a pressure point against China. Left on their own, China and the ASEAN countries locked in their territorial disputes can keep the situation stable, lower temperatures and seek a peaceful long-term resolution.

I think ASEAN nations are astute enough not to be dragged into conflicts between the US and China. Singapore and its ASEAN partners have said many times over that they do not want to take sides, and would do everything they can not to be pushed into taking sides.

Author: Jasmine Yin

Editor: Zhao Yang, Wing, Olivia, Jerry