Tensions Rise: British Warship Passes Through Strait; China Threatens Response

According to the BBC, the British Royal Navy stated that Wednesday’s patrol by HMS Spey was part of a long-planned deployment and was conducted following international law.

This marks the first patrol by a British warship through the Taiwan Strait in four years and coincides with the arrival of a British aircraft carrier strike group in the region for a months-long deployment. China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory, has not ruled out the use of force to “reunify” the island.

China strongly criticized the UK for what it called the "public exaggeration" of HMS Spey’s voyage, accusing it of distorting legal principles and attempting to mislead the public.

“These actions are deliberate provocations that destabilize the situation and undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,” a Chinese military spokesperson said, adding that Chinese forces closely monitored HMS Spey during its transit and would respond resolutely to any threats or provocations.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the other hand, welcomed the patrol, calling it an important act supporting freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait.

HMS Spey is one of two Royal Navy vessels that maintain a constant presence in the Indo-Pacific. Its passage through the strait comes as the British carrier strike group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, enters the region for an eight-month deployment.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the deployment as “one of the largest aircraft carrier operations of this century,” saying it aims to send “a clear message of strength to Britain’s adversaries and a message of unity and purpose to its allies.”

Approximately 4,000 British personnel are participating in the mission. The strike group will cooperate with 30 countries through joint military operations, port visits, and exercises with the United States, India, Singapore, and Malaysia.