1 ISSUE: 2019 No. 33 ISSN 2335-6677 RESEARCHERS AT ISEAS – YUSOF ISHAK INSTITUTE ANALYSE CURRENT EVENTS Singapore | 23 April 2019 The United Kingdom and Southeast Asia after Brexit Ian Storey* EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  As the United Kingdom (UK) prepares to leave the European Union (EU) by 31 October 2019, it seeks to enhance its global influence and interests, including in the Indo-Pacific region. The UK views the region as a source of economic opportunity but also security threats which challenge the rules-based international order.  Post-Brexit, the UK looks to strengthen relations with ASEAN and deepen political and economic ties with Southeast Asian states.  Britain hopes to benefit from free trade agreements the EU has already negotiated with Singapore and Vietnam, and has indicated its intention to apply for membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) which includes four Southeast Asian countries.  Britain’s plans to increase its defence engagement with Southeast Asia countries and ASEAN pre-date the 2016 Brexit referendum. The UK has applied to be an observer to two of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus’ (ADMM-Plus) Expert Working Groups and will increase its participation in joint exercises conducted under the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA).  The UK is considering a more permanent defence presence in the Indo-Pacific, possibly including in Southeast Asia. Its commitment to freedom of navigation in support of the rules-based international order, including in the South China Sea, has created friction with China and could complicate Sino-British trade talks. * Ian Storey is Senior Fellow and editor of Contemporary Southeast Asia at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute