
Three Chinese naval ships have docked at a British base for a formal visit that samples the strength of the fleet being built up by the country.

Chinese ambassador Liu Xiaoming and hundreds of flag-waving UK-based Chinese residents welcomed the ships into Portsmouth Naval Base.

Heading a task group on enhancing military understanding between the two countries is the assault ship Chang Bai Shan.

She was accompanied by the frigate Yun Cheng and the replenishment ship Chaohu at the Hampshire dockyard.

During the five-day visit, senior officers from both navies will discuss maritime topics including counter-piracy operations across the Indian Ocean.

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Arrival: Three Chinese Naval ships berthed at Portsmouth Dockyard. HMS Warrior (bottom) and HMS Victory (right) can also be seen

At the front: Heading the task group on improving military understanding between the countries is the assault ship Chang Bai Shan (pictured)

Also on the scene: The assault ship has been accompanied by the frigate Yun Cheng (pictured) and the replenishment ship Chaohu

The visit comes seven months after a report from the US Pentagon which examined how China was growing the size and reach of its naval fleet.

And that followed revelations that China was increasing its military budget by 12 per cent to more than £86billion - compared to £33billion in the UK.

China now spends three times as much as India on defence - and more than neighbouring Japan, Vietnam, Taiwan and South Korea put together.

Task group commander Rear Admiral Zhang Chuansha said: ‘Our visit to the UK is a good opportunity to enhance our understanding of each other.

‘It’s a great opportunity for our sailors to get exposure to local people and our counterparts in the British Navy.

‘All sailors share something in common. We share the same sea, the same international obligations such as dealing with piracy.'

Standing to attention: Members of the Chinese Navy stand aboard the assault ship Chang Bai Shan at Portsmouth Royal Navy Base

Sailors: During the five-day visit, senior officers will discuss maritime topics including counter-piracy operations across the Indian Ocean

CONCERNS OVER NAVY CUTS IN UK The Mail reported in October 2013 how the Royal Navy had 15 times more commanding officers than active warships, with 40 admirals and 260 captains but just 19 ships. To make £4.7billion savings and help eliminate a £38billion deficit in the equipment programme, the Navy was cutting its force by 5,000 sailors and four warships. Last June, former first sea lord Lord West of Spithead said naval fleet cuts had gone too far and were a 'national disgrace'. But the Ministry of Defence insisted 'tough decisions had to be taken to deal with the budget deficit'. Four years ago, the Mail revealed that the Army had more top brass than battle tanks. Advertisement

Ambassador Liu Xiaoming said: ‘This visit gives a flavour of the partnership between China and the UK.

‘It is also good for the British public to understand the Chinese military and what it is able to do. It has been seven years since our last visit.

‘The world has changed and so has the reach of the Chinese navy.

'We’ve carried out 48 missions in the Gulf region in that time and helped to protect 6,000 vessels.

‘So we have a lot to talk about - there is a lot for the two navies to share.

'And this visit will go a long way to strengthening our relationship.’

Commodore Jeremy Rigby, naval base commander, said: ‘We welcome our Chinese visitors to the operational home of the Royal Navy.

‘As with our ship visits abroad, these events are not only of great diplomatic significance, but also very useful militarily given that we share similar global challenges including counter-piracy, preventing conflict, protecting our citizens overseas and supporting UN peacekeeping efforts.

‘China, like us, relies on trade at sea for its prosperity and we work together around the world.

‘The visit to Portsmouth is a really good way for us to talk, navy to navy, with like-minded sailors, sharing information on our operations.’

Smiling: Hundreds of flag-waving UK-based Chinese residents (right) were among those who welcomed the ships into Portsmouth Naval Base

Waving the flags: Crew members from the vessels will be given tours of attractions including HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose

Crew members from all three vessels will be given tours of local attractions including HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose.

They will also be shown around the Royal Navy’s newest warship, Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan.

The two nations will also compete in badminton and basketball matches at HMS Temeraire in Portsmouth - the Navy’s home of physical training.

The ships’ last port of call was Salalah in Oman and they will leave Portsmouth this Friday to head for Kiel in Germany.

CHINESE AND BRITISH NAVAL STRENGTH COMPARED: HOW UK FLEET IS DWARFED FIGURE CHINA BRITAIN Total naval strength (includes all known auxiliaries) 520 66 Aircraft carriers 1 1 Frigates 45 13 Destroyers 24 6 Corvettes 9 0 Submarines 69 11 Coastal defence craft 353 24 Mine warfare 119 15 Naval manpower 235,000 30,000 Active frontline personnel (all military) 2,285,000 205,330