China carried out ‘constructive kills’ near British Royal Navy vessels and even harassed an aircraft carrier as the ships crossed the disputed South China Sea.

Frigate HMS Richmond was sailing through the Taiwan Strait when Chinese fighter jets performed manoeuvres similar to those used in an attack, though they did not launch missiles.

Officers on the vessels, led by the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, reported being tracked and harassed by Chinese vessels while crossing the Spratly Islands.

An officer said they pretended to kill us. They made it seem like an attack, but then pulled away and turned.

He added that China wanted them to know they were a target, and though a reaction was expected, officials said, they never expected such a violent measure.

Another officer onboard the Prince of Wales said that it is good that the Chinese targeted them since it helps understand the way they operate and tests their readiness as well.

The vessels are a part of the United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group and are participating in Operation Highmast. It involves 4500 British and international military personnel.

The ships sailed through the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, and visited Oman, Singapore, Australia, and Japan on their way.

China claims the region and has made a few islands into its military bases, but Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines have also asserted their claims, which Beijing does not recognise.

The fleet of ships will return to Portsmouth in December after an 8-month deployment, in which they engaged in naval exercises with allies like South Korea, the U.S and Canada.

The ships crossed the disputed waters as part of the freedom of navigation exercise, which was to rebut China’s claim to the South China Sea and to assert the right to free passage through its waters.

Source: www.marineinsight.com