German Warships to Sail Through Taiwan Strait Thursday Evening, First Time in Over Two Decades

Sep 13, 2024, 01:37 AM

Two German warships docked in South Korea are set to sail through the Taiwan Strait over the next few days, marking the first time in over two decades that German naval vessels will navigate these waters. This move, which has not been undertaken by Germany in more than 22 years, is seen as a significant geopolitical maneuver that risks angering Beijing. The German government has not formally notified China of the passage to emphasize that Berlin views the transit as a normal operation. The German Defence Ministry stated that the transit is not directed against any country but supports the international principle of freedom of navigation. This development comes amid broader tensions in the South China Sea, where freedom of navigation is a contentious issue. The passage was made public by CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter on Thursday evening.