Camilla Jessen
Tensions rise as China accuses Britain of provocation.
China has strongly condemned the recent passage of the British warship HMS Spey through the Taiwan Strait, calling it a “deliberate provocation” and warning it will respond to any perceived threat, the BBC reports.
The British Royal Navy insists the patrol was pre-planned and followed international law. It marked the first time in four years that a British military ship transited the strait, a key waterway that separates China and Taiwan.
While China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and hasn’t ruled out using force to “reunite” with the island, Taiwan views itself as a sovereign state.
Beijing criticized London for publicizing the HMS Spey’s voyage and accused it of distorting international law.
“These actions are intentional provocations that disturb regional peace and stability,” said a spokesperson for the Chinese military, adding that Chinese forces closely monitored the ship throughout its passage.
Taiwan, however, welcomed the move. Its Foreign Ministry said the patrol helps protect freedom of navigation in the region.
UK’s Indo-Pacific Mission
The HMS Spey patrol comes as Britain ramps up its presence in the Indo-Pacific.
The aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales is leading one of the largest British naval deployments in decades—an eight-month mission involving around 4,000 personnel and visits to 30 countries, including joint drills with allies like the US, India, and Singapore.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the mission aims to send “a clear message of strength to our adversaries and unity to our allies.”
China has increased its military activity in the Taiwan Strait over the past year, especially since the election of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, who has taken a firm stance against Beijing.
In April, China conducted a live-fire drill simulating attacks on ports and energy targets in Taiwan.
Meanwhile, China is also conducting a rare dual aircraft carrier exercise off Japan’s coast, sparking fresh concerns in Tokyo.