German Warships, Including Baden-Württemberg, Sail Through Taiwan Strait, Prompting Chinese Condemnation

Sep 14, 2024, 05:30 AM

A German naval frigate, the Baden-Württemberg, and a supply ship sailed through the Taiwan Strait from north to south on Friday. The German Defence Ministry stated that the timing of the transit was based on suitable weather conditions. Germany's Defence Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized that international waters are international waters, despite China's claim of sovereignty over the Taiwan Strait. China condemned the transit, lodging a formal protest with Germany and reaffirming its stance that Taiwan is an inalienable part of its territory. The Chinese People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theater Command monitored the German vessels during their passage and remains on high alert. China accused Berlin of heightening security risks in the Taiwan Strait. The German ships' next port call is in the Philippines. Taiwan's Armed Forces maintained full control over the surrounding sea and airspace during the transit, reporting no unusual activity.