Royal Navy frigate 'ready to respond' as Chinese warship sails close to UK coastline

The Portsmouth-based Type 23 frigate is shadowing the Chinese destroyer Xian as it sails east past the UK.

St Albans will keep track of the Chinese ship’s activity as it transits through the UK’s area of interest.

Commander John Cromie, commanding officer of HMS St Albans, insisted there was no cause for concern – with it normal duty to monitor events in British sea territory.

He said: ‘HMS St Albans, conducting routine maritime security operations, is monitoring the progress of the Xian as she transits close to the UK coastline.

‘This is normal business for the Royal Navy, keeping watch over UK waters at all times.

‘HMS St Albans is one of several warships standing ready to respond at short notice to help keep Britain safe.’

Since 2016 HMS St Albans has been tasked with a number of maritime security operations in UK waters.

She has monitored the passage of several foreign warships through the English Channel and conducted anti-submarine operations in the north Atlantic.