German Navy Ships Sail Through Taiwan Strait for First Time in 20 Years Amid Rising Tensions

In a significant move, two German navy ships, including the frigate Baden-Wurttemberg and the supply ship Frankfurt am Main, sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Friday. This marks the first German transit of the sensitive waterway in two decades, amid escalating tensions between Taiwan and China.

China, which claims Taiwan as its own, insists it has jurisdiction over the strait, while both Taiwan and the U.S. consider it an international waterway. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed the ships’ passage, stating, “International waters are international waters. It’s the shortest and safest route.”

While Taiwan’s Defense Ministry did not comment, sources indicated that the ships were expected to clear the strait by Saturday. Beijing strongly condemned the move, with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning criticizing the “provocations” under the pretext of “freedom of navigation.”

This transit is seen as a strong signal from Berlin aligning with international rules and supporting its allies. The passage follows increased Chinese military activity around Taiwan, which China seeks to bring under its control, despite the island’s firm rejection of Beijing’s sovereignty claims.