Updated March 5, 1.05pm

A British warship which angered the Chinese government is currently in Maltese harbours, prompting consternation at leftist think tank Żminijietna.

“The government should not open Maltese ports to foreign military vessels, especially those involved in acts of provocation that can lead to wars,” Żminijietna said in a statement.

The HMS Argyll sailed into Valletta on Sunday and is scheduled to remain there until Wednesday, when she will sail onwards.

A Foreign Affairs Ministry representative told Times of Malta that the vessel was in Malta to refuel, re-store and "undertake general logistical activity" ahead of its return to the UK. 

The Royal Navy’s oldest serving Type 23 frigate is en route to return home following a nine-month deployment in Asia.

That mission saw it join US navy vessels in drills in the South China Sea last month, stoking irritation in Beijing.

China has built a series of outposts in the area, which is one of the world’s most trafficked sea lanes, prompting accusations that it is out to cement control of those waters.

Beijing responded to the HMS Argyll exerices by accusing Britain of engaging in “provocation”.

“China strongly urges the British side to immediately stop such provocative actions, to avoid harming the broader picture of bilateral relations and regional peace and stability,” the Chinese foreign ministry had said.

Those diplomatic tensions weighed heavy on minds at Żminijietna, who called on the Maltese government to keep Malta’s declared neutrality in mind.

“Malta is a neutral state actively pursuing peace, security and social progress among all nations by adhering to a policy of non-alignment and refusing to participate in any military alliance,” they said.