The Buzz | Britain sends warships to Asia to monitor North Korean trade

A British warship has arrived in Japan to join international efforts to enforce sanctions on North Korea by monitoring any prohibited trading by the country at sea.

The frigate HMS Southerland, which entered Yokosuka — home to the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet — yesterday, will join exercises with Japan’s navy and monitor attempts by North Korea to evade U.N.-imposed sanctions.

The ship is the first of three British warships planned for deployment in the region this year to participate in the monitoring and join exercises with Japan and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Britain says its warships’ presence demonstrates its commitment to the region’s peace and stability.

During its deployment in the region, the British frigate will be joined by the amphibious assault ship HMS Albion to help enforce the U.N. sanctions. A third ship, the HMS Argyll, is to be deployed later in the year.

Categories World