[Source/Observer Network, Liu Chenghui] The British military, reluctant to let go of its imperial dreams, has once again provoked China.

According to a April 22 report by the UK's Daily Telegraph, the British aircraft carrier strike group led by HMS "Prince of Wales" departed from the port on the same day for an eight-month deployment operation in the Indo-Pacific region. Commander James Blackmore of the British aircraft carrier strike group has not confirmed the route of navigation, but he did not rule out the possibility of crossing the Taiwan Strait and boasted that they were prepared for various routes and missions.

The article bluntly stated in the title, "UK Aircraft Carrier Strike Group Commander Says Royal Navy Ready to Confront China Over Taiwan Issue."

Subsequently, the report hyped up the so-called tensions in the Taiwan Strait, claiming that people are increasingly concerned about a possible mainland attack on Taiwan.

Commander Blackmore told the Daily Telegraph during an interview aboard the HMS "Prince of Wales" that he was ready to execute any required route.

"I will carry out any task assigned to me - this is my duty," he said. "My responsibility is to be prepared for all possibilities, including operational capabilities, defensive engagement capabilities, and the ability to cooperate with partners and allies. So whatever the government or the Ministry of Defense asks me to do, I am ready to execute it."

British Royal Navy HMS "Prince of Wales" aircraft carrier "Defense News" website

Commander Blackmore said he could not "specifically" talk about the routes in the Indo-Pacific region, but the purpose of the aircraft carrier strike group going there was clear.

"One of the purposes in this region is to maintain international order," he said. "This shows our commitment and reassures our partners and allies. My route choices will be decided by higher-level officials."

"I can assure everyone that no matter what route and mission is required of me, I am ready."

He also said that this deployment responded to former US President Trump's request for Britain to play a greater security role.

"I think this sends a very very strong message, demonstrating our capabilities and intentions, showing that we are willing to take the lead as the dominant European country within NATO when necessary, and that we have the ability not only to fight alongside the United States but also to provide support to the United States if necessary."

According to previous reports by Bloomberg, Chief of the Defence Staff of the UK, Radakin, visited China in mid-April to hold talks with Chinese military leaders. This is the first visit by the highest-ranking British military official in ten years. The report speculated that China might use this visit to ask the British aircraft carrier not to enter the Taiwan Strait.

In May 2021, the British Royal Navy's "Queen Elizabeth" aircraft carrier strike group left Portsmouth naval base to begin its first global deployment journey.

The Daily Telegraph noted that during that deployment, the British aircraft carrier strike group avoided provoking China by not crossing the Taiwan Strait. Considering that the British Foreign Secretary and Chancellor of the Exchequer have visited China successively since last October, if this voyage ultimately does not cross either, it will be seen as further goodwill from the UK towards China.

Despite Commander Blackmore's boastful rhetoric about the aircraft carrier's strength and hype for the deployment operation, the British military, plagued by budget and technical problems, has faced numerous awkward situations in recent years.

Last February alone, due to mechanical failures found during routine inspections before sailing, the "Elizabeth" aircraft carrier had to withdraw from NATO's largest post-Cold War exercise.

Just a month later, British media reported that due to funding shortages, the UK military may consider sealing off or selling the £3.5 billion-built "Prince of Wales" aircraft carrier at a low price to friendly countries. This even led some British netizens to lament, "This country is ruined."

In response to the UK's global aircraft carrier deployment operation, China emphasized that it hopes regional countries respect the willingness of regional countries to maintain peace and stability and promote development and cooperation, and not take actions that complicate the situation.

This article is an exclusive contribution from Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7496036889095340579/

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