HMS Daring arrives in Shanghai
After supporting ongoing British relief efforts in the Philippines, HMS Daring arrived in Shanghai today.
HMS Daring on the bund
After supporting ongoing British relief efforts in the Philippines, HMS Daring arrived in Shanghai today, Tuesday 10th December.
The goodwill visit to China comes at an important time in bilateral relations, just after the UK-China summit when Prime Minister David Cameron led a strong delegation of ministers and businessmen to Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu.
In front of a packed media audience, Ambassador to China – Sebastian Wood said:
The visit of HMS Daring is an exciting moment for relations between our two nations. It symbolizes the potential for deeper cooperation between us in areas from security to creativity, culture and innovation.
HMS Daring, the first of the British Royal Navy’s six £1bn Type 45 destroyers, is two thirds of the way through a nine-month deployment. She was taking part in an exercise with Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Malaysia as part of the Five Powers Defence Arrangement when she was re-tasked to the Philippines to deliver aid after Typhoon Haiyan hit the region on 7 November 2013.
With HMS Illustrious now also deployed to the Philippines, HMS Daring has been able to continue with its planned deployment.
HMS Daring arrived in central Shanghai on 10 December, berthing at the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal close to her PLA Navy host ship, the Xuzhou.
A range of activities are planned for the visit including a business cocktail reception, HMS Peterel Commemoration Service, as well as a performance by RM Band at one of Shanghai’s most iconic locations.
Consul General in Shanghai, Brian Davidson, said:
This visit helps showcase the best of British innovation, the cultural ties between the UK and China, and of course the emphasis that Britain places on our relationship with China.