German navy makes rare transit of sensitive Taiwan Strait

13/9/2024 18:23

        Two German navy ships including a frigate sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on Friday in the first such transit in two decades and at a time of soaring tensions between Taipei and Beijing.
        
        China, which claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own, says only it exercises sovereignty and jurisdiction over the strait. Both the United States and Taiwan say the strait - a major trade route through which about half of global container ships pass - is an international waterway.
        
        Speaking in Berlin, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said he could confirm the passage of the frigate "Baden-Württemberg" and supply ship Frankfurt am Main.
        
        He said, "International waters are international waters. It's the shortest and, given the weather conditions, the safest route. So we are passing through."