EU to step up Indo-Pacific defence presence over China fears and Ukraine example

European Union's special envoy cites concerns multilateral rules-based order will not be fully respected' in region

The European Union has resolved to step up its defence strategy in the Indo-Pacific region in light of fears about China's growing presence and concerns for the international order sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Our motto is always to cooperate whenever possible, but to defend whenever necessary as well," said Gabriele Visentin, the EU's special envoy to the Indo-Pacific. It's not directed against a country or another - it's a way of enhancing our capacity and our credibility in terms of defending our interests."