This file photo taken on Nov 30, 2022 shows the Chinese Embassy in London. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

LONDON – The Chinese Embassy in Britain on Thursday expressed firm opposition to British Foreign Secretary David Cameron's remarks comparing the Red Sea to the Taiwan Strait.

Responding to Cameron's remarks that he would urge China to support "freedom of navigation" in relevant areas, an embassy spokesperson said: "It is completely wrong for the British side to compare the Red Sea to the Taiwan Strait. We firmly oppose it."

We firmly oppose any country stirring trouble in the Taiwan Strait and undermining our sovereignty and security in the name of 'freedom of navigation'.

Spokesman, Chinese Embassy in Britain

Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and Chinese laws, the waters of the Taiwan Strait, extending from both shores towards the middle of the Strait, are divided into several zones including internal waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, and the Exclusive Economic Zone, said the spokesperson.

China has sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the Taiwan Strait, added the spokesperson.

"At the same time, we respect the lawful rights of other countries in relevant waters. We firmly oppose any country stirring trouble in the Taiwan Strait and undermining our sovereignty and security in the name of 'freedom of navigation'.”

The Red Sea is an important international trade route for goods and energy. It is important to ensure the security of international sea lanes, the embassy spokesperson said. 

"We do not want to see tensions escalate in the Red Sea. We hope that all relevant parties will play a constructive and responsible role in safeguarding the security of the Red Sea region," added the spokesman.