Royal Navy escorts Chinese naval task group through UK waters twice in three weeks.

According to information published by the UK MoD on August 10, 2024, the HMS Richmond, a Plymouth-based frigate, closely monitored a Chinese Navy task group as it passed through UK waters twice within three weeks.
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Royal Navy's frigate HMS Richmond, Chinese Navy warships destroyer Jiaozhuo and support vessel Honghu. (Picture source: UK MoD)

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels, including the 7,500-tonne destroyer Jiaozuo and the 23,400-tonne supply ship Honghu, were en route to and from St. Petersburg, Russia, where they participated in Russian Navy Days.

The Royal Navy's surveillance of the Chinese vessels was coordinated with NATO allies, ensuring continuous monitoring as the ships traversed the North Sea and English Channel.

On their outbound journey, the French Navy's Commandant Blaison maintained watch until the PLAN ships reached the North Sea, where the Belgian Navy's patrol ship Pollux took over. HMS Richmond resumed responsibility as the Chinese vessels returned, once again ensuring their compliance with maritime law as they navigated through the Dover Strait.

Chinese naval presence in Europe

The growing presence of the Chinese Navy in Europe has raised significant concerns among European defense officials, particularly in the context of broader geopolitical developments. While China has historically focused its naval activities in the Indo-Pacific region, recent developments indicate an increasing interest in projecting power and influence beyond its traditional sphere.

One of the primary concerns is China's expanding global military footprint, which includes investments in strategic infrastructure across the globe that could be leveraged for military purposes. These investments are seen as part of China's strategy to secure its global supply chains and potentially support naval operations in key regions like the Arctic and the North Atlantic.