China threatens British Navy to “behave politely” in the East Sea!

In a speech released on February 13 during his visit to Australia, British Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson said the country would deploy a warship through the East Sea to assert freedom of navigation.

British submarine.

London officials have been talking about the trip for six months. If it goes ahead as planned, it could raise tensions with Beijing.

Global Timesof ChinaMr Williamson should clarify the purpose of the British warship's trip, he said.

"If it is not provocative, the Royal Navy should behave in a 'gentle' manner when passing through the South China Sea. By taking tough actions against China, the British Ministry of Defense is trying to attract attention" - Global Times commented in an editorial written in both English and Chinese.

The newspaper also wondered whether the Royal Navy could complete the voyage amid budget cuts and the "troubled" aircraft carrier.

China has repeatedly accused countries outside the region - often referring to the US and Japan - of stirring up trouble in the South China Sea. Speaking about the UK's plans, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on February 13 that it hoped relevant parties would not "make a mountain out of a molehill."

Britain is leaving the European Union (EU) next year and is eyeing China as one of the partners it wants to sign a trade deal with soon after leaving the EU. British Prime Minister Theresa May also just finished a trip to China earlier this month.