The official representative of the Eastern Theatre Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Liu Junkie on Friday criticised the UK after it allowed its coastal patrol ship to pass through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday and attempted to stir up controversy over the situation.
According to Liu Junkie, the Eastern Theatre Command forces escorted and guarded the British ship during its passage through the strait, while maintaining a high level of readiness to resolutely repel all threats and provocations.
The British Royal Navy said that the HMS Spey’s patrol on Wednesday was part of a long-planned deployment and was in accordance with international law.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry, meanwhile, approved the patrol as an action to ensure freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait.
On April 2, the Chinese military began the “Strait Thunder-2025A” exercises near Taiwan to practise precision strikes on the island’s port and energy infrastructure. On March 18, during its annual military exercises, Taiwan designated 2027 as the likely time for a Chinese attack on the island. These statements have caused concern among the international community and prompted discussions on further action.
The situation in the region escalated in 2022 after a series of visits by American politicians to the island without Beijing’s consent.
Tensions intensified after the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te on May 20, 2024. At the ceremony, he called on Beijing to “stop intimidating Taiwan” and recognise the island’s independence.
The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council of the PRC responded that Taipei’s independence was “incompatible with peace in the Taiwan Strait” and that China considered the island to be an inalienable part of its territory.
