British supply ship appears in South China Sea draws attention

UK sends a supply ship to interfere in the South China Sea

In recent days, the Philippines has been constantly trying to bring in external countries to meddle in the South China Sea. To show its presence, the UK has even sent out a supply ship.

According to a report from the U.S. Naval Institute website on November 3, the Royal Navy announced on Thursday last week (October 30) that the UK fleet oiler "Tidepool" (A136) carried out a so-called "freedom of navigation" passage operation in the South China Sea near the Nansha Islands.

According to the Royal Navy website and the British military website "Navy Watch", the "Tidepool" left the UK in late April, passed through the Mediterranean, circumnavigated the African continent, crossed the Indian Ocean, went through the Strait of Malacca, passed by the Krakatoa volcano, reached as far north as the Sea of Japan, and then returned to Singapore via the South China Sea. The official press release did not mention when the supply ship passed through the South China Sea.

During the deployment, the "Tidepool" provided support for vessels from ten countries, including Australia, Canada, Spain, Norway, and the United States, including the U.S. Navy's "George Washington" and "America" aircraft carriers, the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force's "Kaga" aircraft carrier, and vessels from the Indian Navy's "Vikrant" aircraft carrier task force.

The press release stated that the "Tidepool" did not risk crossing the Red Sea during its voyage because the Houthi rebels still pose a threat to shipping.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1847835945011466/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.