Chinese warships visit London for the first time

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Europe

A large crowd gathered at the Canary Wharf in London on Tuesday to take pictures of or pose with two Chinese warships.

The 26th Chinese Navy Escort Task Force, composed of guided-missile frigates Huanggang and Yangzhou, sailed up the Thames and docked in Canary Wharf in west London on Tuesday.

This is the first time that Chinese naval ships have paid an official visit to the British capital. They have already been to Belgium, the Netherlands and Denmark as part of a goodwill tour of European ports, and will spend five days in London before sailing to France on Saturday.

Chinese ambassador to Britain, Liu Xiaoming said the arrival of the two warships was a sign of China's "commitment to world peace" and called for closer military ties between China and the UK. He made the remarks during a speech at Thames Quay, East London, where the two warships were docked. He said the historic visit would open a new chapter in relations between the two countries.

Chinese Ambassador Liu Xiaoming speaks at Thames Quay, East London, where two Chinese warships are docked. /The Telegraph Photo

"To meet current challenges and uphold peace, China aims to build a shared future for mankind, and call for a new type of international relations," he said. "I believe the visit to Britain by the 26th Chinese Navy Escort Task Force will mark a new beginning of a closer, friendly improvement in cooperation between the Chinese and British militaries."

The ships will also host meetings between senior naval officers on issues from anti-piracy to humanitarian aid and rescues during the stay.

Rear Admiral Alex Burton of the Royal Navy said the visit "reflects the long, strong and very common relationship that both our navies have with the sea."

A Royal Navy warship is expected to pay a return visit to China next year while deployed to the Pacific.

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