- Chinese ships monitored by HMS Richmond in UK
- Uncommon transit; latest similar event was in 2019
- Royal Navy and allies ensured maritime security
According to the Navy, it is uncommon for Chinese ships to transit through UK waters under British surveillance, with the latest instance being in 2019.
The Royal Navy has revealed that a British frigate closely followed two Chinese vessels during an unusual transit through the UK seas.
HMS Richmond kept a “close watch” on the Chinese Navy task group, traveling through the UK twice in three weeks to and from Russia.
The Navy routinely monitors foreign warships, but the Ministry of Defence is significantly more likely to publicize the tracking of Russian ships than those deployed by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (Navy).
Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard stated: “These escorts are a clear demonstration of how the Royal Navy continues to protect the sovereignty of UK waters.”
Working collaboratively with our friends to strengthen Euro-Atlantic security is a primary goal for this administration.
I appreciate the crew of HMS Richmond for a safe and professional voyage and their efforts to keep our country secure at home and strong abroad.
The British warship kept an eye on China’s Jiaozuo, a 7,500-tonne destroyer, and Honghu, a 23,400-tonne supply ship, sailing back and forth through the North Sea and Channel.
A French destroyer and a Belgian naval patrol ship were also responsible for monitoring the Chinese boats.
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HMS Richmond’s commanding officer, Commander Richard Kemp, stated that by maintaining a visible and consistent presence, the Royal Navy demonstrates its commitment to the NATO alliance and maritime security, which are critical to our national interests.
The two Chinese ships initially traveled through UK ports on their route to St Petersburg to participate in Russian Navy Day, an annual event held at the end of July.
They returned a few weeks later. The Royal Navy statement made on Saturday did not specify the return journey date.
According to the Navy, it is unusual for Chinese ships to transit through UK seas while being monitored by British forces.
The last time it happened was in 2019, when Chinese ships traveled a comparable distance to attend the same Russian naval event.
