Royal Navy 'Challenges' China By Sailing Close To Islands Claimed By Beijing

The HMS Albion passed near the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea on its way to Ho Chi Minh City

Reuters: Exclusive: British Navy warship sails near South China Sea islands, angering Beijing

Beijing expressed anger on Thursday after a British Royal Navy warship sailed close to islands claimed by China in the South China Sea late last month, saying Britain was engaged in “provocation” and that it had lodged a strong complaint.

The HMS Albion, a 22,000 ton amphibious warship carrying a contingent of Royal Marines, exercised its “freedom of navigation” rights as it passed near the Paracel Islands, two sources, who were familiar with the matter but who asked not to be identified, told Reuters.

The Albion was on its way to Ho Chi Minh City, where it docked on Monday following a deployment in and around Japan.

One of the sources said Beijing dispatched a frigate and two helicopters to challenge the British vessel, but both sides remained calm during the encounter.

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More News On The Royal Navy 'Challenging' China By Sailing Close To Islands Claimed By Beijing

China sends navy frigate to challenge British warship and accuses the UK of 'provocation' after HMS Albion sails close to islands claimed by Beijing -- Daily Mail
A British warship got involved in a showdown with the Chinese military in the South China Sea -- Business Insider
China furious at Britain for South China Sea sail-by -- New Straits Times/AFP
British warship sails near Chinese-controlled islands in South China Sea -- CNN
Royal Navy 'challenges' China by sailing close to disputed islands -- The Independent
China Says British Warship Entered Its Territorial Waters Without Permission -- The Wall Street Journal
China escorts British assault ship on ‘freedom of navigation’ voyage through South China Sea -- RT

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