The historical argument for British interest in Belgium centers on its position across the Channel. Useful ports there could give a continental rival access close to vulnerable parts of Britain. Keeping those ports from hostile control therefore mattered beyond Belgium's own military strength. The strategic point concerns geography and access, separate from the surrounding jokes about modern Belgium.
Notable Point · 4:53:57-4:55:48
Belgian ports and Britain's Channel security
Belgium's ports matter in the historical argument because a continental rival could use them close to Britain's vulnerable Channel coast.