China accuses Germany of raising 'security risks' by sending military ships through Taiwan strait
China criticised Germany on Saturday for increasing security risks after two German naval vessels passed through the Taiwan Strait, a key waterway that Beijing claims as its territory. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius defended the move, stating that the ships were navigating international waters on the safest route, while Beijing responded by deploying forces to monitor the vessels.
Issued on: 14/09/2024 -
The Berlin-class replenishing ship A 1412 Frankfurt am Main of the German Navy (Bundesmarine) leaves its home port of Wilhelmshaven in northwestern Germany for the Indo-Pacific Deployment, May 7, 2024. © Focke Strangmann, AFP
China on Saturday accused Berlin of heightening security risks in the Taiwan Strait, a day after two German military vessels sailed through the sensitive waters.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed on Friday that the frigate Baden-Wuerttemberg and the supply vessel Frankfurt am Main sailed through the strait.
"The German side's behaviour increases security risks and sends incorrect signals," Chinese military spokesperson Li Xi said in a statement.
US military ships as well as those operated by other countries have often sailed through the sensitive waterway.
But the Baden-Wuerttemberg's voyage was the first time in more than two decades that Berlin's navy had done so, according to German media reports.
Beijing views Taiwan as a renegade province and claims jurisdiction over the body of water that separates the island from the Chinese mainland.
Germany and many other countries argue such voyages are usual, citing freedom of navigation.
China's Li said Saturday that the People's Liberation Army had sent sea and air forces to "monitor and warn off" the German vessels.
Beijing's troops in the area would "resolutely counter all threats and provocations", Li added.
The two vessels were headed from South Korea to the Philippines, German defence ministry officials said.
Pistorius said on Friday that the course charted by the vessels was "the shortest route".
"It is the safest route given the weather conditions. And these are international waters, so we are sailing through them."
Freedom of navigation
Though Taiwan has only a dozen diplomatic allies, it maintains strong partnerships with various Western democracies such as the United States, which is its biggest weapons supplier.
Read moreBlinken reiterates to China US concern over ‘provocative’ drills around Taiwan
Beijing has in recent years engaged in an escalating campaign of intimidation against Taiwan, including through large-scale military exercises around the island.
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The Chinese government warned this year that "Taiwan independence forces will be left with their heads broken and blood flowing".
Chinese state media reported in June that Beijing could impose the death penalty for "particularly serious" cases of what it views as separatism from Taiwan.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Friday when asked about the vessels that "there is not much to say... it's an international waterway".
Taiwan said earlier this week that it "welcomes and affirms Germany, along with the US, Canada and the Netherlands, for taking actions to demonstrate the legal status of the Taiwan Strait as international waters, while defending freedom of navigation and maintaining regional peace at the same time".
(AFP)
China on Saturday accused Berlin of heightening security risks in the Taiwan Strait, a day after two German military vessels sailed through the sensitive waters.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed on Friday that the frigate Baden-Wuerttemberg and the supply vessel Frankfurt am Main sailed through the strait.
"The German side's behaviour increases security risks and sends incorrect signals," Chinese military spokesperson Li Xi said in a statement.
US military ships as well as those operated by other countries have often sailed through the sensitive waterway.
But the Baden-Wuerttemberg's voyage was the first time in more than two decades that Berlin's navy had done so, according to German media reports.
Beijing views Taiwan as a renegade province and claims jurisdiction over the body of water that separates the island from the Chinese mainland.
Germany and many other countries argue such voyages are usual, citing freedom of navigation.
China's Li said Saturday that the People's Liberation Army had sent sea and air forces to "monitor and warn off" the German vessels.
Beijing's troops in the area would "resolutely counter all threats and provocations", Li added.
The two vessels were headed from South Korea to the Philippines, German defence ministry officials said.
Pistorius said on Friday that the course charted by the vessels was "the shortest route".
"It is the safest route given the weather conditions. And these are international waters, so we are sailing through them."
Freedom of navigation
Though Taiwan has only a dozen diplomatic allies, it maintains strong partnerships with various Western democracies such as the United States, which is its biggest weapons supplier.
Read moreBlinken reiterates to China US concern over ‘provocative’ drills around Taiwan
Beijing has in recent years engaged in an escalating campaign of intimidation against Taiwan, including through large-scale military exercises around the island.
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morningSubscribe
The Chinese government warned this year that "Taiwan independence forces will be left with their heads broken and blood flowing".
Chinese state media reported in June that Beijing could impose the death penalty for "particularly serious" cases of what it views as separatism from Taiwan.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Friday when asked about the vessels that "there is not much to say... it's an international waterway".
Taiwan said earlier this week that it "welcomes and affirms Germany, along with the US, Canada and the Netherlands, for taking actions to demonstrate the legal status of the Taiwan Strait as international waters, while defending freedom of navigation and maintaining regional peace at the same time".
(AFP)
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