China has expressed strong disapproval of a British warship’s recent passage through the Taiwan Strait, calling it a provocative act. The Royal Navy’s HMS Spey was on a routine mission through this disputed waterway, which is vital for international shipping, as part of a scheduled deployment that adheres to international law.
In response to the British ship’s presence, the Eastern Theatre Command of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) accused the UK of "public hyping" and claimed that Chinese forces were closely monitoring the vessel. The PLA issued a statement saying that Britain’s actions were misleading and intended to stir up trouble, potentially undermining peace in the region. They warned that their troops are always on high alert and ready to respond to any perceived threats.
This incident marks the first time a British warship has sailed through the Taiwan Strait since 2021, when HMS Richmond passed through during a journey to Vietnam. The strait is a contentious area, with Taiwan and China holding opposing views on its status. China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has not ruled out using force for reunification. In contrast, Taiwan, along with the United States and other Western nations, views the strait as international waters.
The United States regularly sends navy ships through the strait, typically about every two months, often accompanied by vessels from allied countries. Following the British ship’s passage, Taiwan’s foreign ministry welcomed the move, emphasizing the importance of defending freedom of navigation in the strait.
China has also been conducting military drills in the region, which they describe as a stern warning against Taiwan’s independence movements. Recently, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has ordered an increase in monitoring and intelligence efforts in light of China’s military activities, which have included a significant number of aircraft movements near the island.
As tensions continue to rise, the situation in the Taiwan Strait remains a focal point of international concern, highlighting the delicate balance of power in the region.