The state-run China Daily newspaper has said a showdown between the British and Chinese navies in the disputed South China Sea could derail the two nations' trading relationship after Brexit.
Business Insider reports that according to Reuters, the incident saw a British warship, HMS Albion, sail through waters claimed by China close to Chinese-occupied territories in the Paracel Islands. The incident happened in late August. The Chinese navy instructed the British vessel to leave the area. The situation did not escalate further.
The episode caused outrage from Beijing. It accused the UK of violating international law.