China Protests UK Warship Transit Through Taiwan Strait
China’s military has sharply criticized the recent transit of the UK warship HMS Spey through the Taiwan Strait, accusing London of “deliberate provocation” and disrupting regional stability.
The Royal Navy says the patrol was routine, part of a pre-planned deployment, and fully compliant with international law. HMS Spey is one of two British vessels currently assigned to rotate patrols in the Indo-Pacific.
This marks the first British naval passage through the contested waterway in four years, ahead of an upcoming carrier strike group’s multi-month deployment in the region.
China maintains that Taiwan is sovereign Chinese territory and has not ruled out using force to achieve reunification. However, Taiwan asserts its independence and autonomy.
