China Condemns German Navy Ships' Passage Through Taiwan Strait

China's military condemned the passage of two German navy ships through the Taiwan Strait, claiming it increased security risks and sent the 'wrong' signal. Beijing views Taiwan as part of its territory and opposes foreign military presence in what it claims are its waters. Taiwan insists on its sovereignty.

China's military has strongly criticized the transit of two German navy ships through the Taiwan Strait, claiming the passage heightened security risks while sending the 'wrong' message. The Chinese forces reported they monitored and warned the vessels throughout their journey.

Beijing, asserting sovereignty over Taiwan, reiterated its stance that the strait is solely under Chinese jurisdiction. Contrarily, both the United States and Taiwan maintain that the passage, a key trade route for global shipping, constitutes international waters. The People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command dismissed the movement of the German frigate and supply vessel as 'public hyping.'

In Germany, China's embassy lodged 'representations' reflecting Beijing's displeasure, stressing that Taiwan falls under Chinese sovereignty—a claim Taiwan's democratically elected government rejects. Concurrently, Taiwan's coast guard dispelled Chinese maritime police vessels from restricted waters near the Kinmen islands, reinforcing Taiwan's commitment to defending its sovereignty.

(With inputs from agencies.)