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

A BRITISH warship has 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 the UK twice in three weeks.

PA

HMS Richmond (foreground) accompanying Chinese destroyer Jiaozuo through the English Channel[/caption]

PA

The HMS Richmond monitored the task force as it headed to Russia[/caption]

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.

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

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.”

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