UK Warship Transit Sparks China’s Fury Over Taiwan Strait Passage

The passage of the HMS Spey through the Taiwan Strait has drawn sharp criticism from China, labeling it an "intentional provocation."

China's military has condemned the recent transit of the British warship HMS Spey through the Taiwan Strait, denouncing it as a deliberate act of "intentional provocation" that jeopardizes peace and stability in the already contentious region. In response, the British Royal Navy defended the mission as a part of a pre-planned deployment that aligns with international law.

HMS Spey's traversal on Wednesday marked the first British naval movement in the strait in four years and coincided with the arrival of a UK carrier strike group for an extended deployment in the Indo-Pacific. This move underscores the UK's strategic presence in these pivotal waters, as China views Taiwan as its territory—a claim strongly refuted by Taipei.

In its rebuke, China accused the UK of "publicly hyping up" the HMS Spey's passage, calling the British assertions a "distortion of legal principles" aimed at misleading public opinion. They asserted that the People's Liberation Army closely monitored the warship during its journey, maintaining readiness to counter any perceived threats.

Taiwan's foreign ministry has expressed approval of the British naval action, framing it as a step toward ensuring freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait. Although American naval forces often conduct freedom of navigation operations in the strait, British warships have been notably absent since the HMS Richmond's transit in 2021, which had similarly faced Chinese condemnation.

HMS Spey is among two British warships stationed permanently in the Indo-Pacific, with its latest operation occurring alongside the deployment of the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier, described as one of Britain's largest military deployed in recent history.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer articulated that the deployment aims to convey a resolute message of strength to adversaries, while fostering unity and collaboration with allies. Approximately 4,000 UK military personnel will engage with 30 countries during this operation, including joint exercises with the US, India, Singapore, and Malaysia.

Escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait have been particularly influenced by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's administration, characterized by a staunch anti-Beijing posture. Lai's government has consistently labeled Beijing as a "foreign hostile force" and introduced measures to counter Chinese influence in Taiwan.

China has maintained a pattern of military demonstrations in the Taiwan Strait, notably a live-fire exercise in April, purportedly simulating strikes against vital infrastructure. The latest tensions surrounding HMS Spey's transit occur concurrently with activities involving two Chinese aircraft carriers concluding an extensive drill in the Pacific, arousing concerns in Tokyo.