Additional Coverage:
- German warships ignored China’s complaints and sailed through the Taiwan Strait for the first time in over 2 decades (newsbreak.com)
In a move not seen in over two decades, two German naval vessels navigated the Taiwan Strait recently. This action has sparked sharp criticism from China, which condemned it as a breach of its sovereignty.
Despite China’s disapproval, Germany asserted its right to pass through the strait, which lies in international waters, echoing a stance often taken by the US and other Western nations. The transit involved the first-in-class frigate Baden-Württemberg and the Berlin-class supply ship Frankfurt am Main. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed the transit, stating that the route was the safest given current weather conditions, emphasizing that international waters remain open for passage.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported that the ships were heading south through the strait under close monitoring, and deemed the situation as “normal.”
The Taiwan Strait, a vital trade route between China’s mainland and the island of Taiwan, remains a point of contention. The US and its allies maintain the waterway’s openness for navigation, while China claims extensive control over the strait.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Mao Ning, criticized Germany’s transit and maintained that the Taiwan issue is about China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. She reiterated that while China respects legitimate navigation under international law, any action perceived as provocative under the guise of freedom of navigation is firmly opposed by Beijing.
The Chinese government has long argued that the waters in the Taiwan Strait are part of its internal zones, thus falling under its jurisdiction. This claim stands contrary to the broader international consensus on navigation rights.
On the other hand, nations such as the US, Canada, the UK, and France have conducted similar transits through the strait, each time drawing ire from Beijing. Relations between China and Taiwan continue to be strained, especially following recent elections and increased military actions from China.
The international community, particularly the US and its allies, remain watchful of China’s aggressive posture, underscoring fears of a potential invasion or blockade of Taiwan.
For more details, refer to the original article on Business Insider.