Offshore patrol vessel HMS Spey transits the Taiwan Strait despite China's warnings
A Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel has sailed through the Taiwan Strait, a move that has been condemned by the Chinese authorities.
HMS Spey navigated through the water as she is allowed under international law and rights ruled by the United Nations.
The Taiwanese authorities verified the latest move since it continues the principle that these disputed waters are international waters.
The vessel's journey through the strait is the first for a British vessel in four years after HMS Richmond made the journey during the last UK carrier strike group deployment, which was followed by Chinese military forces.
Lord Vernon Coaker, who was on board Spey's sister ship, HMS Tamar, said: "We [the UK] are reinforcing the UK's commitment to an enduring, persistent presence in the Indo-Pacific."
Lord Coaker was speaking as HMS Prince of Wales and the rest of the Carrier Strike Group continued their voyage towards the Indo-Pacific.
"The UK remains steadfast in maintaining international order based on the rule of law and the principles of the UN Charter that reflect sovereignty and territorial integrity, which is in our national interest," he explained in a video posted on X.
By the Royal Navy conducting a freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs), it could be seen by China as a challenge to their unlawful claims to the land in the Taiwan Strait.
The Eastern Theatre Command of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) condemned the exercise, by saying that "the British side's remarks distort legal principles and mislead the public; its actions deliberately cause trouble and disrupt things, undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait".
"Troops in the theatre are on high alert at all times and will resolutely counter all threats and provocations," the PLA added.
The latest transit follows ships from the United States, Germany and Canada, doing the same in the past year.
These operations maintain international order as they seek to continue the idea that a nation cannot control international waters.
HMS Spey: a factfile
The vessel, commanded by Commander Paul Caddy, represents the UK's continued deployment to the Indo-Pacific.
The River-class vessel is based in South-East Asia and the Indian Ocean, aiding anti-smuggling, fishery protection, border patrol, and counter terrorism operations.
The ship has a flight deck, which can operate Merlin and Wildcat helicopters or hold six shipping containers.
She was made to keep going for long periods and can sail huge distances.
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