HMS Richmond: Royal Navy escorts Chinese warships travelling through UK waters

The Royal Navy has escorted two Chinese warships through UK waters in a “rare” transit, which ministers described as a “demonstration” of British sovereignty.

The Chinese ships travelled through British waters twice in three weeks while on the way to-and-from Russia.

Although routine for the Navy to monitor foreign warships, it is rare for it to publicise its tracking of their movements. The ships were monitored by HMS Richmond, a Type-23 frigate.

Armed Forces minister Luke Pollard told Sky News: "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 two ships kept under surveillance were the Jiaozuo and Honghu, the Navy said.

The ships initially passed through UK waters on the way to St Petersburg to take part in an annual event called Russian Navy Day at the end of July.

They then returned a couple of weeks later, but the date of the return journey was not clear.

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."