- An incident between the British Navy and the Chinese military in the South China Sea could derail UK-China talks over trade after Brexit.
- That's the claim of an editorial in China's state-run China Daily newspaper.
- A British warship, HMS Albion, angered Beijing after it sailed through waters claimed by China in late August.
- Britain is seeking to strike trade deals with nations around the world as it leaves the EU.
ADVERTISEMENT
Britain's showdown with the Chinese military in the South China Sea is threatening to derail a post-Brexit trade deal
The UK angered Beijing after a British warship, HMS Albion, sailed through waters claimed by China in the South China Sea in late August. A state-run Chinese newspaper said this could threaten a post-Brexit trade deal between the two countries.
ADVERTISEMENT
Recommended articles
China Daily said in its editorial:
The South China Sea is a contentious issue in Chinese politics. Six countries lay overlapping claims to its waters, which are rich in natural gas and through which trillions of dollars of global trade pass each year.
Beijing on Thursday accused the UK of violating Chinese and international law by sailing the ship through the contested waters.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Reuters in a statement: "The relevant actions by the British ship violated Chinese law and relevant international law, and infringed on China's sovereignty.
"China strongly opposes this and has lodged stern representations with the British side to express strong dissatisfaction."
FOLLOW BUSINESS INSIDER AFRICA
ADVERTISEMENT
Recommended articles
US and French governments are lobbying Nigeria to host their military bases - report
Russian aid arrives in Niger amid growing bilateral ties
Kentucky Derby betting sites 2024: Where to bet on the races online
10 least powerful African passports in 2024
Top 10 African countries with the largest labor force
Video footage of Asian man beating two Africans sparks racism comments online
East Africa’s future in energy shines brighter on the continent
Infinix NOTE 40 Series takes centre stage with all-round fastcharge 2.0
