German warship passes through Taiwan Strait for first time in 2 decades

Speaking in Berlin, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said he could confirm the passage of the frigate Baden-Württemberg and the supply ship Frankfurt am Main through the Taiwan Strait.

German frigate Baden-Württemberg

Photo: Navalnews.com screenshot

"International waters are international waters. It's the shortest route and, weather-wise, it's the safest route. So we're going through," Pistorius stressed.

A security source familiar with the situation told Reuters that two German naval ships could leave the Taiwan Strait tomorrow, September 14.

Another source said the passage of two German naval ships through the Taiwan Strait was a "clear" statement from Berlin that Germany is standing side by side with its allies to uphold international rules.

Taiwan's Defense Ministry said that two German naval ships had passed through the Taiwan Strait in a southerly direction since this morning. The agency added that Taiwanese forces were monitoring and the situation was "as normal," according to Reuters.

This is the first time a German naval ship has passed through the Taiwan Strait in two decades. The operation comes at a time of rising tensions between China and Taiwan, according to Reuters.

Speaking in Beijing before the passage of two German naval ships through the Taiwan Strait was confirmed, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said Beijing "firmly opposes provocative actions that endanger China's sovereignty and security in the name of 'freedom of navigation'".

US warships pass through the Taiwan Strait every two months, angering Beijing, and some US allies such as Canada and Britain also occasionally send military ships through the strait, according to Reuters.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chien-ham-duc-lan-dau-di-qua-eo-bien-dai-loan-sau-2-thap-nien-185240913175837827.htm