British Navy Patrols Taiwan Strait Amid Rising Tensions

A British Royal Navy patrol ship, HMS Spey, has completed a passage through the Taiwan Strait, a route recognized as international waters by Taiwan but claimed by China as its territory. According to a Navy spokesperson, this voyage was preplanned and adhered to international law.

While Britain's Ministry of Defence did not specify the timing of HMS Spey's passage, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it occurred on Wednesday. The ministry lauded Britain for reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait.

China, which views Taiwan as a part of its territory, has yet to officially comment on the passage. However, its state-affiliated Global Times noted the Chinese military tracked the British vessel throughout its journey. The transit follows a similar passage by HMS Richmond in 2021 and comes as Britain seeks closer diplomatic ties with China, evidenced by an anticipated visit to Beijing by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer later this year.

(With inputs from agencies.)