China's 26th naval escort fleet commander Wang Zhongcai (L, front) shakes hands with British Rear Admiral Alex Burton during the welcoming ceremony of China's 26th naval escort fleet in London, Britain, on Oct 3, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Chinese and British navies will also hold a joint humanitarian rescue symposium on Thursday.

Liu said the visit will strengthen China-UK ties and relations between the two navies and consolidate strategic mutual trust between both nations.

"This year is the 45th anniversary of the ambassadorial-level diplomatic relationship between China and the UK, and the 90th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army," Liu said. "This visit by the Chinese Navy fleet will leave its mark in the history of our military-to-military exchanges and state-to-state relations."

He said the visit can also be seen as reaffirming China's commitment to world peace.

"The Chinese military has been an active contributor to UN peacekeeping missions. It has made significant contributions to world peace and stability, and has proved to the world with its actions that China is a strong force for world peace," Liu said.