China has condemned Germany for sending military vessels through the Taiwan Strait, claiming the move heightens security risks and sends the wrong signals. This criticism follows the recent transit of the German frigate Baden-Wuerttemberg and the supply vessel Frankfurt am Main through the sensitive waterway.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed on Friday that the two vessels had sailed through the Taiwan strait on their way from South Korea to the Philippines. This marks the first time in over 20 years that German military ships have navigated the Taiwan Strait, according to German media reports.
Chinese military spokesperson Li Xi issued a statement on Saturday accusing Berlin of increasing security risks with its actions. Li stated that the People’s Liberation Army had dispatched sea and air forces to monitor and warn off the German ships, asserting that Beijing’s military would resolutely counter all threats and provocations.
China views Taiwan as a renegade province and asserts jurisdiction over the strait separating Taiwan from the Chinese mainland. The Chinese government has been increasingly assertive in its stance towards Taiwan, including through large-scale military exercises and stern warnings against moves towards independence.
In response, Pistorius defended the voyage, stating that the route taken by the German vessels was “the shortest and safest given the weather conditions,” and emphasized that they were navigating through international waters.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz commented on the situation, noting that “there is not much to say… it’s an international waterway.“
Taiwan welcomed the German, as well as US, Canadian, and Dutch actions, praising these countries for affirming the Taiwan Strait’s status as international waters and supporting freedom of navigation while maintaining regional peace.