Beijing/Taipei: China has sharply criticized the recent transit of a British naval vessel through the Taiwan Strait, accusing the UK of intentionally provoking tensions in the region. The Chinese military described the move as an attempt to "stir up trouble," while Taiwan’s leadership responded by intensifying surveillance of Chinese military movements near the island.
The UK’s Royal Navy confirmed that HMS Spey, a patrol vessel, sailed through the strait on Wednesday. It described the mission as part of a long-scheduled deployment conducted in accordance with international maritime law. Despite this, China’s Eastern Theatre Command condemned the voyage as “public hyping,” stating that its forces closely tracked the British ship throughout its passage.
“The UK’s narrative distorts international legal norms and misleads public opinion. Their actions are aimed at disruption and are detrimental to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,” the Chinese military said in a statement, adding that its troops remain on high alert.
Beijing regards the Taiwan Strait as part of its territorial waters, a claim rejected by Taiwan, the United States, and several Western allies, who consider the strait to be international waters.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed support for the Royal Navy’s actions, calling it a meaningful affirmation of the principle of freedom of navigation.
“We welcome and appreciate the UK’s tangible commitment to upholding the international status of the Taiwan Strait,” the ministry said.
In response to continued Chinese military maneuvers near the island, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has ordered defense and intelligence agencies to ramp up their monitoring efforts. Lai noted that Chinese activity has remained high despite rising global tensions, including those in the Middle East.
China's foreign ministry also weighed in, with spokesperson Guo Jiakun accusing Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of exploiting the situation for political purposes. “Whatever they say or do, the fact remains that Taiwan is part of China,” Guo stated.
Meanwhile, Taiwan's defense ministry reported a sharp increase in Chinese military operations in the region over the past 24 hours, including 50 aircraft detected near the island, particularly in the Taiwan Strait and northern South China Sea. On Friday, an additional 24 Chinese aircraft, including advanced Su-30 fighters, were spotted near Taiwanese airspace.
The last time a British naval vessel transited the Taiwan Strait was in 2021, when HMS Richmond passed through the area during a mission to the East China Sea. That incident also drew a stern response from China.
The current voyage by HMS Spey comes as London and Beijing seek to rebuild strained ties. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to visit China later this year, marking the first visit by a UK leader since 2018.
Meanwhile, U.S. Navy warships continue to conduct regular transits of the Taiwan Strait, typically occurring every two months and occasionally accompanied by vessels from allied nations.
