A British frigate has been keeping a ‘close watch’ on two Chinese warships passing through UK waters, the Royal Navy has said.
Plymouth-based warship HMS Richmond ‘firmly’ monitored the People’s Liberation Army (Navy) ships – the Jiaozuo, a 7500-tonne destroyer, and Honghu, a 23,400-tonne supply ship – as they passed the UK twice in three weeks on its way to and from St Petersburg, Russia.
According to the Royal Navy, HMS Richmond took over from the French ship Commandant Blaison which maintained contact with China’s ships past its country’s coastline. Once they reached the North Sea, Belgian Navy patrol ship Pollux continued to follow Jiaozuo and Honghu.
A fortnight later, HMS Richmond had to assume monitoring duties once again, as the Chinese vessels headed back towards to Dover Strait.
The Chinese ships had participated in Russia’s annual Navy Day parade which took place on July 28.
Russia’s Navy Day is a lavish national holiday that celebrates the country’s naval stength, as its fleet’s most powerful ships sail in formation past Russia’s top leaders.
This year’s Navy Day parade was attended by dictator Vladimir Putin and his defence minister Andrei Belousov, but it was recently revealed that a suspected assassination plot against Putin by Ukraine was halted.
The presence of Chinese Navy ships in the English Channel is not a common occurrence, but this is not the first time in recent memory that the Royal Navy has had to keep an eye on China’s ships headed to Russia.
Back in 2019, HMS St Albans and Westminster were called upon to monitor destroyer Xian as it sailed to and from Russia’s navy event.
Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard said: ‘These escorts are a clear demonstration of how the Royal Navy continues to protect the sovereignty of UK waters. Working closely with our allies to support Euro-Atlantic security is a top priority for this government.
‘I thank the crew of HMS Richmond for conducting a safe and professional transit and all they do in keeping our nation secure at home and strong abroad.’
The Royal Navy routinely monitors UK waters and neighbouring seas to ensure compliance with maritime law.
HMS Richmond’s Commanding Officer, Commander Richard Kemp, said: ‘By maintaining a visible and persistent presence, the Royal Navy demonstrates our commitment to the NATO alliance and in maintaining maritime security which is crucial to our national interests.’