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<p>There were no maritime deployments to the region in 2017. HMS Sutherland, HMS Albion
and HMS Argyll deployed to East Asia in 2018. HMS Montrose is scheduled to deploy
to the region in 2019. The deployments so far have involved a mix of bilateral defence
engagement events with regional partners and allies, bilateral and multilateral training
and exercises, and activity in support of UNSCR and the maintenance of global norms
of behaviour.</p><p>During their deployments in East Asia, HMS Sutherland and HMS
Albion have both asserted their rights to freedom of navigation, in accordance with
international law. We do not comment on the details of future deployments as to do
so would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security
of the Armed Forces.</p><p><br> Whenever UK aircraft and vessels navigate through
the South China Sea, they do so in full compliance with international law and norms
- as they do wherever they are operating in the world. We are committed to upholding
the rules-based international system, including the assertion of rights of freedom
of navigation and overflight, as they are laid out under the high seas freedoms under
Article 87 of UNCLOS.</p>
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