Britain will sail an aircraft carrier taskforce through disputed international waters in the South China Sea in a direct challenge to Beijing, the Defence Secretary has revealed.
Ben Wallace confirmed that HMS Queen Elizabeth and her escort fleet will transit international waters claimed by China next month, saying Britain had a 'duty' to insist on freedom of navigation.
The Communist regime has alarmed neighbours in the region including Japan and the Philippines with illegal claims in international waters.
Mr Wallace also confirmed that the UK plans to deploy Royal Navy warships permanently to the region in a show of support for allies.
Speaking on a visit to Tokyo, Mr Wallace told the Times: 'It's no secret that China shadows and challenges ships transiting international waters on very legitimate routes.
'We will respect China and we hope that China respects us ... we will sail where international law allows.'.
It will come to Japan through the South China Sea, parts of which are claimed by China and South East Asian countries after stops in India, Singapore and South Korea. »
