The Royal Navy has conducted another freedom of navigation operation in the contested South China Sea, with HMS Spey operating near the Spratly Islands alongside the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Sydney, UK Defence Journal reports.
The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed via its official ‘Defence Operations’ social media account that HMS Spey had undertaken a freedom of navigation activity in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The patrol passed near the Spratly Islands—an area claimed in part or in whole by China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and others.
“HMS SPEY and HMAS SYDNEY have just conducted Freedom of Navigation Activity around the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, in accordance with UNCLOS,” the post read.
The operation marks a continuation of Royal Navy deployments challenging excessive maritime claims in the region. It comes just days after HMS Spey transited the Taiwan Strait, drawing sharp criticism from Beijing, which described that earlier action as “deliberate provocation.”
However, China reacted with fury. State-run media reported that the People’s Liberation Army Eastern Theatre Command monitored HMS Spey throughout its journey, calling the passage an intentional provocation.
Senior Colonel Liu Runke, spokesperson for the PLA Navy, accused the UK of “hyping up” the transit and described the move as a “distortion of legal principles and an attempt to mislead the public.” The PLA claimed the operation “undermined peace and stability” in the region and warned that Chinese forces would “resolutely counter all threats and provocations.”
In contrast, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence welcomed the Royal Navy vessel, stating that it had respected international norms and contributed to regional stability.
While China claims historical rights over the majority of the South China Sea under its so-called ‘nine-dash line’, those claims were rejected in 2016 by an international tribunal ruling under UNCLOS. The UK does not take sides on sovereignty disputes but routinely reaffirms its support for international law and the right to innocent passage.
The presence of HMS Spey in both the Taiwan Strait and now the Spratly Islands illustrates the UK’s commitment to its “tilt” to the Indo-Pacific, as outlined in the 2021 Integrated Review and reiterated in subsequent defence statements. The Royal Navy’s patrol vessels HMS Spey and HMS Tamar have maintained an enduring regional presence since their deployment to the Indo-Pacific in 2021.
This latest operation, undertaken jointly with Australia, is also emblematic of strengthening UK–Australia defence cooperation. Canberra has also faced increasing pressure from Beijing over its military activity in the South China Sea, including surveillance flights and naval patrols.
There has been no immediate report of interaction between HMS Spey and the People’s Liberation Army Navy during the Spratly patrol, though previous operations have seen British ships shadowed by Chinese vessels.
