China Condemns UK Warship Passage Through Taiwan Strait as Tensions Rise

China has strongly criticized the recent passage of British warship HMS Spey through the Taiwan Strait, calling it a deliberate provocation aimed at destabilizing the region. The Chinese military, specifically the Eastern Theatre Command of the People’s Liberation Army, accused the UK of “distorting legal principles” and warned its forces remain on high alert to counter any perceived threats or provocations.

The Royal Navy described the move as a routine operation conducted in accordance with international law. Britain emphasized that the passage was part of a long-planned deployment, echoing the stance of the United States and other allies who regard the Taiwan Strait as international waters. In contrast, Beijing claims the strait as part of its sovereign territory, aligning with its broader claim over Taiwan.

Taiwan's government welcomed the HMS Spey’s transit, commending the UK for reinforcing the principle of freedom of navigation in international waters. Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has since ordered heightened surveillance and intelligence gathering in response to continued Chinese military activity. On Friday, Taiwan’s defense ministry reported 50 Chinese aircraft operating near the island within a 24-hour period, mostly concentrated over the strait and northern South China Sea.

This marks the first British warship transit through the strait since HMS Richmond did so in 2021. That incident also triggered a strong reaction from China, which shadowed the vessel and issued warnings.

The latest passage occurs amid efforts by Britain and China to stabilize diplomatic ties, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expected to visit Beijing later this year—the first such trip by a British leader since 2018. Meanwhile, the U.S. continues regular naval transits through the strait, often joined by allied vessels, reinforcing the contested waterway’s global strategic importance.