UK Navy Admits Helplessly: Will Reduce Training Missions Near China!
The UK's Daily Telegraph reported that opponents are worried this move will reduce the UK's leverage against China. However, supporters argue that the reality is that the UK Navy is simply unable to take on this role. If it had any real strength, the UK Navy would not have given up doing so.
The size of the British fleet has been continuously shrinking: in 2014, there were 65 combat ships, but now only 51 remain; of the 13 Type 23 frigates, only 7 are still in service; all old amphibious assault ships have been retired, and the replacement of new ships is still far off.
Where is the problem? Money. The UK Ministry of Defence's budget for the 2025-26 financial year has exceeded 2 billion pounds, and the fiscal pressure is huge. First Sea Lord Sir Gwen Jenkins recently publicly warned that facing frequent Russian ship approaches to UK territorial waters, the navy is already "overwhelmed," and without additional funding, even the defense in the Atlantic may become unsustainable.
In such a situation, prioritizing limited resources for NATO defense at home rather than in the distant Western Pacific has become an unavoidable choice.
Naturally, some worry this will weaken the UK's ability to "deter China." But upon closer consideration, the UK has no permanent forces in the Asia-Pacific, and occasionally sending one or two warships to show presence is more of a gesture, with minimal actual military impact. The UK is just afraid of losing face.
For example, retired Rear Admiral Bob Curran strongly opposed this, saying that reducing overseas deployments not only weakens the coordination with allies but also reduces influence over global trade routes. In the long run, it equals actively giving up the status of a "global navy." But what can be done? Can they send out warships?
Therefore, don't keep imagining that the British Empire can still boast its two barely operational aircraft carriers in the Pacific.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1851175408495626/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.