China Condemns British Warship's Passage Through Taiwan Strait

Tue Oct 21 2025 23:35:09 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

China labels HMS Spey's patrol as a deliberate provocation amid heightened tensions over Taiwan.

China's military denounced the recent passage of the British warship HMS Spey through the Taiwan Strait, asserting that it undermines peace and stability in the region. The incident marks a significant geopolitical event as British naval presence grows in the Indo-Pacific, coinciding with increased military activities from China.

China's military has issued a stern rebuke over HMS Spey's navigation through the Taiwan Strait, calling it a "disruptive act of intentional provocation" that threatens regional peace. The British Royal Navy clarified that the HMS Spey's patrol was part of pre-arranged operations and adhered to international law. This marks the first British naval patrol in the Taiwan Strait in four years, coinciding with the arrival of a UK carrier strike group in the area for a multi-month deployment.

China's naval spokesman criticized the UK for "publicly hyping" HMS Spey's journey, accusing it of distorting legal principles and attempting to mislead public perception. He stated that such actions disrupt the situation in the Taiwan Strait and emphasized China's commitment to counter any perceived threats. Despite China's stern warnings, Taiwan's foreign ministry hailed the patrol as a protection of navigation rights in the Strait.

While United States warships regularly conduct freedom of navigation exercises in the Taiwan Strait, this event highlights the increased caution surrounding military interactions in the region. The last British naval transit through the strait ended in condemnation from China in 2021 when HMS Richmond was deployed to Vietnam.

HMS Spey, part of two British warships on permanent patrol in the Indo-Pacific, is now accompanied by a UK strike group led by HMS Prince of Wales, which encompasses approximately 4,000 personnel. This deployment has been termed one of the largest British carrier operations in the 21st century, sending a message of strength to adversaries and unity to allies, according to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Tensions between China and Taiwan have escalated, particularly following the election of President Lai Ching-te, known for his assertive stance against Beijing. He has framed China as a "foreign hostile force" while implementing policies to counter Chinese influence in Taiwan. Additionally, China continues to conduct military exercises in the Strait, including a recent live-fire drill aimed at simulating strikes on vital infrastructure. As these geopolitical dynamics unfold, two Chinese aircraft carriers have also been reported conducting simultaneous military drills in the Pacific, raising concerns in Japan about regional safety.