HMS Sutherland will sail through the South China Sea next month to assert the right of free passage
Speaking to the Australian, Britain's Defence Secretary, Gavin Williamson, said,
“The warship will be sailing through the South China Sea [on the way home] and making it clear our navy has a right to do that.”
Mr Williamson, Britain's Defence Secretary
Mr Williamson said that HMS Sutherland, a Type 23 frigate, would be travelling through the disputed waters after being deployed to the Pacific.
China has faced international condemnation for building islands and military facilities in an area where Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have territorial claims.