Germany is sending two warships through the Taiwan Strait, and this decision has drawn a strong warning from China. Beijing has expressed opposition, stating that such actions could harm its sovereignty. This development comes at a time when tensions around Taiwan are high, and countries like the U.S. and Canada have also been active in the region.
The two German ships, a frigate and a replenishment vessel, are expected to transit the Taiwan Strait in mid-September. It will be the first time in 22 years that German naval vessels have passed through these waters. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made it clear that they view this as a potential provocation.
China’s Response to the Warships
In response to the reports about the German warships, China has restated its position on Taiwan. Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory, and they view actions around the island, especially by foreign military forces, as sensitive. China’s foreign ministry spokesperson emphasized that the Taiwan question is an internal matter for China.
The spokesperson explained that maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait requires opposing any moves towards Taiwan’s independence. This is a common stance from China, which sees the island as inseparable from its own territory. The Chinese government also emphasized that it allows freedom of navigation according to international law. However, they strongly oppose any actions taken under the banner of freedom of navigation that might, in their view, harm China’s sovereignty or security.
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Beijing is concerned that Germany, along with other nations, might be attempting to challenge its claims by sending military vessels through the Taiwan Strait. The Chinese government claims that the waters of the Taiwan Strait include internal waters, territorial seas, and other zones under its control.
This is not the first time China has reacted to foreign warships sailing through the area. Recent passages by U.S. and Canadian naval vessels have also drawn similar responses, as Beijing tries to assert its position regarding the strait.
Germany’s Involvement in the Region
Germany’s decision to send warships through the Taiwan Strait raises questions about why these vessels are in the region in the first place. The two ships, the frigate Baden-Württemberg and the replenishment ship Frankfurt am Main, are heading to Indonesia after completing operations in South Korea.
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Germany has been involved in international efforts to monitor the United Nations arms embargo on North Korea. The two ships took part in a multi-nation monitoring mission as part of these efforts. After completing their task in South Korea, the ships will transit the Taiwan Strait on their way to Indonesia. This will mark the first time since 2002 that German warships have made this passage.
Germany views the passage as a routine operation. They reportedly will not notify China of the transit, which reflects Berlin’s position that the passage is part of regular naval movements. Germany is not alone in navigating the strait, as other nations like the United States, Canada, and Australia frequently send ships through the waters.
The German ships started their journey from Germany in May and traveled to the Pacific Ocean through the Panama Canal. After stopping in Hawaii for a multi-nation exercise, they continued their journey to Japan, where they stayed in port for some time before heading to South Korea. The planned transit through the Taiwan Strait will take them to Indonesia.
China’s Monitoring of the Situation
Whenever foreign warships pass through the Taiwan Strait, China tends to respond by dispatching its own military assets. This is done to monitor the movements of the foreign vessels and to send a message that Beijing is closely watching.
China has used this approach in the past with warships from other countries, including the U.S. and Canada. When these countries sent naval vessels through the Taiwan Strait, Chinese ships and aircraft would often follow closely behind, keeping track of their movements.
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This pattern is likely to repeat itself with the German ships, as Beijing has a history of keeping a close eye on military activities in the Taiwan Strait. However, it’s important to note that such actions are usually carried out without direct confrontation. Both sides typically follow their courses without escalation.
In conclusion, Germany’s decision to send warships through the Taiwan Strait is seen by China as a potential provocation, even though Germany considers it a routine operation. China has responded with a warning, emphasizing its position that Taiwan is an inseparable part of its territory. As the German ships make their passage, Beijing is expected to closely monitor the situation.
