German Warships Pass Through Taiwan Strait for First Time in 22 Years Despite Beijing’s Opposition

Two German warships are sailing to Indonesia via the Taiwan Strait despite Beijing’s opposition. It’s the first time in 22 years that German warships have passed through the disputed waters between China and Taiwan. German Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius confirmed the transit on Sept. 13 at a press conference, saying that the German Navy’s frigate Baden-Wuerttemberg and the supply ship Frankfurt am Main were sailing toward the Taiwan Strait. Pistorius said that “international waters are international waters” and that the transit of Taiwan Strait is in line with international laws. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense confirmed the German warships passed through Taiwan Strait on Sept 13. The minister of defense said on the afternoon of Sept.13 that Taiwan’s military closely monitored activities in the air and water around Taiwan when the transit took place that morning....