China’s military has called a British warship’s recent passage through the Taiwan Strait a disruptive act of “intentional provocation” that “undermines peace and stability”.
The British Royal Navy says HMS Spey’s patrol on Wednesday was part of a long-planned deployment and was in accordance with international law.
The patrol - the first by a British naval vessel in four years - comes as a UK carrier strike group arrives in the region for a deployment that will last several months.
China considers Taiwan its territory - a claim that self-ruled Taiwan rejects - and has not ruled out the use of force to “reunify” the island.
Its just a dance both sides are doing.
China claim the straight and, under maritime law, if that’s accepted then it’s theirs. So, British etc. ships sail through it saying “what a lovely straight of water. I’m going to sail through here, as no one owns it.” If China doesn’t react, they have relinquished their claim to the straight. So, they have to follow up with “hey you, get off my lawn!” Every so often, the dance is repeated.
Nothing to worry about.
This reminded me of a delightful comedy sketch by John Finnemore (“Penguin Diplomacy”. 20ish minutes long radio clip). https://archive.org/details/BBC_Radio_4_FM_20170628_173000_John_Finnemores_Double_Acts?start=80