Royal Navy To Sail Through Disputed Waters Claimed By China

Ben Wallace, UK defence secretary, says the royal navy fleet will sail through disputed waters claimed by China.

This will take place during exercises with the Philippines along with forces from other countries in August.

Meanwhile, the UK is assigning two warships into Asian waters to be permanently based in the Indo-Pacific region later this year.

The British defence ministry says this is set to follow plans for a British aircraft carrier and escort ships to carry out exercises in the Philippine Sea.

Meanwhile, London is also upping up a partnership with Tokyo. Japan has expressed growing alarm in recent months over China’s territorial ambitions in the region, including Taiwan.

Two ships – HMS Spey and HMS Tamar – will be permanently stationed in the Indo-Pacific region.

The offshore patrol vessels will also be part of a Littoral Response Group in the coming years.