British warship HMS Richmond escorts Chinese task force in English Channel as vessels sail to join up with Putin

A BRITISH warship escorted a Chinese navy task force through the English Channel as the ships sailed to join up with Vladimir Putin.

HMS Richmond monitored the People’s Liberation Army (Navy) ships as they passed just kilometres from the UK twice in three weeks.

The Jiaozuo, a 7500-tonne destroyer, and Honghu, a 23,400-tonne supply ship were headed to St Petersburg to participate in Russian Navy Days.

Richmond used her helicopter ‘Brigand’, cutting-edge sensors, and old fashioned visual contact to watch the two boats pass through the channel.

A French warship and a patrol ship from the Belgian navy as part of a NATO task force also helped watch the Chinese vessels past their countries.

UK 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.”

HMS Richmond’s Commanding Officer, Commander Richard Kemp, said: “Close monitoring of foreign vessels in UK waters is routine business for the Royal Navy and ensures their compliance with maritime law and respect for UK sovereignty.

“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.”

A Royal Navy spokesperson said it was not a common occurrence that Chinese warships passed through the English Channel.

The Russian Navy Day last most was attended by 71-year-old dictator Putin as he watched over his shrinking force.

In November, HMS Richmond monitored the Russian vessel Admiral Grigorovich which headed through the channel towards the Mediterranean.

The operation involved following the Russian frigate through stormy seas during Storm Ciaran – which brought 104mph hurricane winds and an amber warning of danger to life.

In 2019, HMS St Albans and Westminster monitored another Chinese destroyer that was making the same trip.

HMS Richmond has recently seen action in the Red Sea, when it destroyed two attack Houthi drones with powerful Sea Ceptor missiles.

The Type 23 frigate set sail from Plymouth armed with 32 Sea Captor missiles and a Wildcat helicopter in January.

HMS Richmond joined the destroyer HMS Diamond, frigate HMS Lancaster, a squadron of three mine hunting vessels HMS Bangor, HMS Chiddingfold and HMS Middleton and the support ship RFA Cardigan Bay.