The passage of two German Navy ships through the Taiwan Strait on Friday increased security risks in the region, the Chinese military has said. The Foreign Ministry in Beijing accused Berlin of staging a “provocation” and violating the One-China policy.
Taiwan has been de facto self-governing since 1949, when the Nationalist forces lost the Chinese Civil War to the Communists and fled to the island. Taiwan is currently recognized as a sovereign nation by only 12 countries in the world.
While adhering on paper to the One-China policy, in which the government in Beijing is the sole ruling authority over Chinese territories, the US has for decades maintained unofficial relations with and supported Taipei.
China insists that Taiwan is an inalienable part of its territory, with President Xi Jinping warning that Beijing could resort to military force to regain back control over the island. On the other hand only six small island nations recognize the autonomous status of Tapei.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry confirmed that a German naval frigate and a supply ship each sailed through the Taiwan Strait from north to south today.
The passage of the Baden-Wuerttemberg frigate and the Frankfurt am Main replenishment ship was the first of its kind in 22 years.
A spokesman for the People’s Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command, Senior Captain Li Xi, said that the actions of the German side have increased security risks and sent erroneous signals.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stressed that the Taiwan issue is not about freedom of navigation but about China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
While Beijing respects other countries’ rights to sail in international waters, as defined under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, it firmly opposes any act of provocation under the pretext of freedom of navigation.
The Chinese Embassy in Berlin clarified on Friday that the waters in the Taiwan Strait are China’s internal waters, territorial waters, contiguous zones, and exclusive economic zones from both sides to the sea.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on Friday that international waters are international waters, it is the shortest route, it is the safest route given the weather conditions… so we pass through.
Despite China’s repeated protests, the F-UK-US countries including Five Eyes nations Australia and Canada have sent warships through the waterway on multiple occasions.
RT. com / ABC Flash Point News 2024.
The Germans are totally nuts.. The Americans and Brits bombed their gas pipeline…their industries is all been sucked to America…their economy is tanking… the only country that can help them is China…and they decided to sail their warship through the Taiwan Straits… I am seriously wondering who is at the wheel….or maybe the entire German government is run by the CIA..
There were 2 Chinese gunships “escorting” the German ships. The Chinese warships were more modern and at least one class higher than the German counterparts in tonnage with vertical launchers. The German warships turned on the AIS with all guns wrapped inside covers, and shot through the Strait hurriedly!
Last sentence–approx 80 % is but its falling as the ordinary citizen suffers from that which its been insulated from poverty and the realisation that once again Germany would go to war with Russia . The AfD is now winning elections in Germany although perceived as a right wing party by the west it is friendly with Russia while those ruling Germany are supposed “Liberals ” who obey the Senate while Americans sit back eating popcorn while the EU commits suicide . The problem with that is Russia has said they are very near WW3 due to the build up… Read more »
Sink it, what will Germany do? Stage a gay parade protest outside the Chinese embassy in Berlin?
That made me laugh LL I know you said it seriously but I see the funny side– thanks brightened me up !
China have enough war ships to spare one to permanently stay at Baltic sea. Loaded with nukes of course. All perfectly legal in accordance of freedom of navigation and freedom to threaten a country you choose
China should mine surrounding waters and clearly said it aloud that now automatic system is in place and they are not responsible for any damage if any warship cone close to China sea to spy. Underwater mines and automatic torpedo againt submarines. Merchant ship will be safe as do not travel hundred meters below surface. But western drones do. Btw chain of mines will be helpful to make Taiwan blockage when times comes sinking aukus few ships will be example not to poke Panda bear. Russia dud not react and now both eyes gone and US blind to western open… Read more »