The relationship between China and some western countries has deteriorated in recent years due to disagreements over Taiwan. "The actions of the United States and Britain send the wrong signals and undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," China's Eastern Theater Command said in a statement. Both Washington and London described the transit as routine and consistent with international law. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command echoed that view, saying, "Navigational rights and freedoms in the Taiwan Strait should not be limited." Taiwan's government also considers the strait an international waterway, rejecting Beijing's assertion of sovereignty over the passage.