Chinese Military Expert Du Wenlong On Chinese Destroyer Sailing Through The English Channel: It Has Always Been British Ships Showing Off Near China’s Doorstep, But Today A Chinese Warship Sails Off The British Coast; China Can Go Anywhere It Wants

Chinese military expert Du Wenlong said in a video that was posted to his Kuaishou account on August 14, 2024 that the fact that the PLA Navy’s Type-052D destroyer Jiaozuo sailed through the English Channel on its way back from participating in Russia’s Navy Day celebration is a symbolic demonstration of China’s naval power, particularly considering that in the past, it was always British ships that showed their force off the Chinese coast. He said that China’s navy can go anywhere it wants in the world and show the presence of its increasing sea and air combat power.

Du Wenlong, holding the rank of Senior Colonel, graduated from the Shijiazhuang Army Academy, Shijiazhuang Army Command Academy, and the National Defense University, and holds a master's degree in military science.

Du Wenlong: "Hello everyone, I'm Du Wenlong. Recently, our Navy's 052D Jiaozuo ship reached waters near the UK, though we didn't enter its territorial waters. We maintained neutral navigation, but the British were shocked, saying that from 1840 to now, it has always been British warships and cannons showing off in front of China's doorstep. This time, it's China bringing a warship to waters near the UK. From 1840 until now, in more than 180 years, this is the first time China has replicated the situation of the Opium War with its own warship. We did not put pressure on anyone; we were simply exercising freedom of navigation. So, if the British think they can send a small shabby Type-23 frigate to navigate freely through the Taiwan Strait, even sending smaller shabby vessels for a sense of presence, well, sorry, we have stronger military capabilities to navigate freely around the UK too. So, 'If the prefectural governor can set fires, then the common people can at least light some lanterns.'

"Previously, the navigation of our 055 fleet near Alaska put a lot of pressure on the U.S., making them feel the weight of China's freedom of navigation. The flight of our H-6K bombers in the high-latitude Arctic regions also caused headaches for the Americans. So now we're gonna say no to America's little brother. So, this time when we came back from the 'Navy Day' celebration, we took a look around the UK. The reasons are simple: first, it's relatively close, and second, we've never been there before. So our navy is always prepared to operate in unfamiliar environments. This time, our message is clear: China can go anywhere in the world, for ocean warfare, and ocean defense. This time it's one 052D destroyer; next time, it could be a small fleet, a larger fleet, or even an aircraft carrier, which won't just aimlessly wander around close to home, but may demonstrate its capabilities globally. As a responsible great power, if your fist isn't hard enough, and your abilities aren't strong enough, you can't be responsible. Responsibility and capability are directly proportional. With our growing ability to operate in distant waters and our increasing sea and air combat power, we will show China's presence everywhere in the world. So the UK needs to be cautious; the historical crimes it committed against China, and its invasions are long past and will never return. If there are concerns about the Chinese navy or its formations navigating near British waters, please keep them to yourself."