Frigate HMS St Albans has shadowed a Chinese warship through the English Channel.

The Type 23 frigate was shadowing the Chinese destroyer Xian as it sails east past the UK.

Commander John Cromie, the Commanding Officer of HMS St Albans, said in a release issued on the 14th of this month:

“Today 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, say the Royal Navy, 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.