Navigational vessels of German origin traverse the Taiwan Strait.
Despite warnings from Peking, Berlin persists: Two German naval vessels are currently navigating the waters between China and Taiwan. Defense Minister Pistorius justifies this journey due to favorable weather conditions, but there might be more at play here.
Ignoring Chinese admonishments, German naval vessels have traversed the stretch between China and Taiwan. military tracking sites indicated that the frigate "Baden-Württemberg" was sailing through the so-called Taiwan Strait around noon. Accompanying it was reportedly the German replenishment ship "Frankfurt am Main". This marks a 20-year first for a German naval vessel in this area.
Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius acknowledged the ships' course. "International waters are international waters, it's the shortest route, it's the safest route given the weather conditions, and they are international waters, so we're sailing through," declared the SPD politician. According to the ministry and the Foreign Office, the Chinese government was not alerted prior to the selected route.
In compliance with international law, advance notification isn't necessary. According to the Foreign Office representative, the waters are international, and there's leeway in navigation choices. Per the Defense Ministry, the vessels are sailing from South Korea to Manila, the Philippine capital. This deployment is part of the "Indo-Pacific Deployment", which involves multiple multinational exercises in the region.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense remained silent
Initially, the Taiwanese Ministry of Defense chose to remain unresponsive. However, Taiwanese security sources revealed that the German vessels were set to navigate the Taiwan Strait on Saturday. The German government's decision to undertake this route was seen as a demonstrative gesture and a rarity. It suggests that Germany stands by its allies to uphold international law.
China did not disclose its opinion until the route came to light. Previously, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson in Beijing had issued a warning against provoking China's sovereignty and security under the pretense of free international navigation. Prior to notice, the spokesman had warned against such actions in the Taiwan Strait. The strait spans approximately 180 kilometers. China lays claim to these waters as part of its territorial sea. Taiwan also shares a similar claim. China almost always issues strong objections when, for instance, American naval vessels sail through the Taiwan Strait.
The German naval vessels, disregarding China's warnings, continued their journey through the waters between China and Taiwan. This route choice by the German government was perceived as a demonstrative gesture, indicating Germany's support for upholding international law.
