China Warns Britain After UK and US Warships Transit Taiwan Strait

China on Tuesday issued a formal warning to Britain after British and U.S. warships sailed through the Taiwan Strait, accusing the two allies of threatening peace and stability in the region.

Beijing's People's Liberation Army Eastern Theatre Command said it had closely shadowed the U.S. destroyer USS Higgins and the Royal Navy frigate HMS Richmond during their transit on Friday, calling the passage "harassment and provocation." Senior Colonel Shi Yi said the manoeuvre had "sent wrong signals and undermined peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait" and said the command remained "on high alert" to safeguard national sovereignty and regional stability.

The British Ministry of Defence described the sailing as a routine passage, saying the Royal Navy operated "in full compliance with international law and norms" and exercised freedom of navigation rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command likewise described the transit as routine, saying the Taiwan Strait lies "beyond the territorial sea of any coastal state" and that navigational rights and freedoms in the strait should not be limited.

The warning follows a series of similar transits. A week earlier, Canadian and Australian naval vessels — HMCS Ville de Quebec and HMAS Brisbane — passed through the strait, drawing comparable criticism from Beijing. At the same time, China sent its newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, through the waterway. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the Fujian's cross-sea tests and training were part of routine construction and not aimed at any specific target, and that Chinese naval activities were "fully in line with China's domestic law and international law."

Tensions have extended to defence channels. Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun warned his new U.S. counterpart, Pete Hegseth, against supporting Taiwan during their first direct talks, saying any attempts to "use military force to assist independence" or "use the Taiwan issue to contain China" would be thwarted. According to the Pentagon, Hegseth replied that the United States does not seek conflict with China nor pursue regime change, but "has vital interests in the Asia‑Pacific, the priority theatre, and will resolutely protect those interests."

Beijing maintains that Taiwan is part of China and has said it is prepared to pursue reunification by force if necessary. The United States does not formally recognize Taiwan as an independent state but has long opposed any unilateral change to the status quo by force and continues arms sales and security assurances that Washington says are consistent with U.S. law and its Taiwan Relations Act.

Naval transits through the Taiwan Strait have become a regular point of friction between China and countries asserting freedom of navigation in international waters. China has consistently protested such passages as interference in its internal affairs, while the United States and partners say routine transits uphold established maritime rights and contribute to regional security by demonstrating access through international waterways.

The latest exchange underscores enduring strategic competition in the Asia‑Pacific and highlights how routine naval operations can quickly become flashpoints in broader diplomatic and military relations.