China’s military and state media have warned the UK against provocation as it sent a carrier strike group, led by a Royal Navy aircraft carrier, through the contested South China Sea.
A spokesman for China’s Ministry of National Defence, Wu Qian, said it respected freedom of navigation but firmly opposed any naval activities that aimed to provoke controversy.
“The action should never try to destabilise regional peace, including the latest military collaboration between the UK and Japan,” spokesman Wu Qian, said. “The Chinese navy will take any necessary actions to counter-measure such behaviour.”
The passage marks the first time the strike group, led by HMS Queen Elizabeth and including two destroyers and two frigates, has been deployed to the Asia-Pacific region. It will sail to Japan – reportedly with stops in India, Singapore and South Korea – to take part in exercises alongside allies.
The journey had been expected to raise significant interest in Beijing, which is in territorial disputes with several countries over waters and islands in the region.
