The ￡3billion HMS Queen Elizabeth, which is leading the UK Carrier Strike Group, plans to carry out legal freedom of navigation operations in international waters. It comes as the UK bolsters its presence in East Asia to support regional partners. The Ministry of Defence insists the carrier is using the most direct and legitimate route to take part in exercises.

       The strike group is on a world tour in the biggest show of British naval power in generations.

       But Beijing, which claims almost all of the South China Sea as is its territory, warned the UK against “provocation” and repeated threats to “expel” British warships from some parts.

       Hu Xijin, editor in chief of the state-run Global Times, said: “US ships have repeatedly entered the 12-nautical-mile limit of Chinese islets and China has exercised maximum restraint. But it doesn’t mean we will tolerate such provocations for long, and it definitely doesn’t mean US allies can imitate Washington’s dangerous acts.

       “To say it precisely, if the UK wants to play the role to coerce China in the South China Sea, then it is being a bitch. If it has any substantial move, it is asking for a beating.”

       Defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian said China respected freedom of navigation, but it “should never try to destabilise regional peace”.

       He added: “The Chinese navy will take any necessary actions to counter-measure such behaviour.”

       Both US and Royal Navy warships have recently challenged China’s claims to sovereignty in the South China Sea by purposely sailing through it.

       After sailing through the South China Sea, the UK strike group will take part in Exercise Bersama Gold with Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.