China launched a significant military operation near Taiwan between late Thursday and early Friday, dispatching 74 aircraft toward the Taiwan Strait, with 61 reportedly crossing the strait’s median line, according to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense.
The operation followed the passage of the British patrol vessel HMS Spey through the strait on Wednesday — a move welcomed by Taiwan but condemned by Beijing as “deliberately disturb[ing] the situation and undermining the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait.”
The Chinese deployment, among the largest in recent months, involved two waves of aircraft and six accompanying naval vessels. Taiwan responded by scrambling fighter jets, deploying naval ships, and activating land-based missile systems to track the activity.
Beijing considers the self-governed island of Taiwan part of its territory and has increased military activity near the island in recent years. Analysts believe these actions are designed to project Beijing’s readiness to encircle or invade Taiwan and to wear down Taiwanese military morale and resources.
The UK’s naval transit was interpreted differently by the parties involved. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the move, stating it “once again (reaffirmed the Strait’s) status as international waters” and added, “Such transits by the UK and other like-minded countries are encouraged to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Britain’s de facto embassy in Taipei supported the legality of the patrol, noting, “Wherever the Royal Navy operates, it does so in full compliance with international law and exercises its right to Freedom of Navigation and overflight.”
Beijing, however, objected strongly, asserting that the British ship had no legitimate grounds for transiting the area and framed the act as a provocation. While the timing of China’s aerial deployment has fueled speculation about a link to the British naval movement, it remains uncertain whether the incursion was a direct response.
The Taiwan Strait, a strategic passage for global trade and military movement, remains a flashpoint for regional tension, with China regularly opposing foreign military presence in what it considers its sphere of influence.
