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Date: June 21, 2025In a move that has ignited diplomatic tensions across East Asia, China has criticized the British Royal Navy warship HMS Spey passage through the Taiwan Strait as a calculated provocation and threat to its sovereignty.
What occurred
On Friday, June 21, HMS Spey conducted a freedom of navigation operation through the Taiwan Strait, a key but delicate body of water between Taiwan and the mainland of China. It is the first time since 2021 that any Royal Navy ship has made such a transit in the region.
China responded swiftly and powerfully. A record 74 Chinese warplanes were seen near Taiwan under Taiwan's Ministry of Defense, with 61 aircraft breaching the median line—an unapproved division line between the two countries. Furthermore, several Chinese warships were dispatched to monitor the situation.
"This is a dangerous and unwarranted provocation," a Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman said. "The UK should not underestimate the resolve of China to protect its national sovereignty and territorial integrity."
Why It Matters
The Taiwan Strait is international waters, and the Western world such as the U.S. and UK retains their right to conduct legitimate navigation. China, for its part, regards any foreign military presence in the strait as infringing on its exercise of sovereignty over Taiwan.
The UK Ministry of Defence justified the exercise, stating
"The Royal Navy has a continuous presence in the Indo-Pacific to uphold international law, promote freedom of navigation, and support regional stability."
The action is a response to the intensification of Western presence in East Asian waters, as Japan and the US also conducted joint drills in the South China Sea this week.
Strategic Implications
The situation is becoming increasingly unstable, experts say.
- Geopolitical tensions: British, American, and Japanese naval presence in China's coastal waters is a part of a wider geopolitical bid to counter Beijing's assertiveness.
- Military risks: The aerial record response by China is a readiness to get involved militarily, which can lead to an unintended clash.
- Taiwan's dilemma: The island is caught between increasing international confrontation, either strengthening its international support or leaving it more exposed.
External Links
- China slams Britain after Royal Navy warship sails through Taiwan Strait – The Sun
- UK Defends Taiwan Strait Passage as Legal – BBC
- Taiwan Reports Record Number of Chinese Warplanes Crossing Median Line – Reuters
Come back for further updates on this developing story as the strategic configurations of the Indo-Pacific continue to evolve.