The Plymouth-based frigate monitored the People’s Liberation Army (Navy) ships first as they headed to St Petersburg to participate in Russian Navy Days.

Working alongside NATO allies, the British warship was on hand to keep the two Chinese vessels – the Jiaozuo, a 7500-tonne destroyer, and Honghu, a 23,400-tonne supply ship – firmly under surveillance as they made their return journey through the North Sea and into the Channel, travelling through UK waters under routine right of passage.

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.”

Although the presence of Chinese Navy ships in the English Channel is not a common occurrence, it’s not the first time the Royal Navy has maintained watch on Chinese ships heading to or from the Russian city for its annual naval gathering. HMS St Albans and Westminster were called upon to monitor the Chinese destroyer Xian as it sailed to and from the same event back in 2019.

HMS Richmond took over from the French ship Commandant Blaison which maintained contact with the Chinese duo past its country’s coastline. From there until reaching the North Sea, where Belgian Navy patrol ship Pollux continued to follow Jiaozuo and Honghu. Richmond used her helicopter ‘Brigand’ from 814 Naval Air Squadron at Cornwall, plus cutting-edge sensors and simple visual contact to maintain a constant eye on the two vessels.

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.”

And a fortnight later, HMS Richmond assumed monitoring duties again, taking over from the Belgians once more, this time patrol ship BNS Castor as the Chinese vessels made a beeline for the Dover Strait.

The Royal Navy routinely monitors UK waters and adjacent seas to ensure compliance with maritime law and protect national interests. As part of unified activity with NATO Allies, the presence of foreign naval vessels is monitored as they transit through or adjacent to the UK Maritime Area. This is entirely normal and helps to ensure the Royal Navy’s presence is noted.