TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A British naval vessel transited through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday for the first time in four years. 

The British Office Taipei on Thursday confirmed that the HMS Spey, a River-class offshore patrol vessel, "conducted a navigation of the Taiwan Strait" on Wednesday, per Liberty Times. It said the transit was conducted in accordance with the rights provided under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

"Wherever the Royal Navy operates, it does so in full compliance with international law and exercises its right to Freedom of Navigation and overflight provided by UNCLOS," said the office. 

On Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed and welcomed the British ship's transit. It lauded the UK for demonstrating its commitment to upholding freedom of navigation through concrete actions and reaffirming its stance that the Taiwan Strait is international waters.

The last time a British naval vessel transited the strait was in 2021, when the HMS Richmond passed through on its way to Vietnam to link up with the Vietnam People's Navy.