The German defence minister confirmed on Friday that a frigate and a supply ship were heading towards or passing through the strait.
Beijing accused Berlin on Saturday of increasing security risks in the Taiwan Strait, a day after two German ships passed through the sensitive waterway separating Taiwan from China. “The behaviour of the German side increases security risks and sends wrong signals”Chinese military spokesman Li Xi said in a statement. He added that Beijing’s troops in the region “will resolutely counter all threats and provocations”.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed on Friday that the frigate Baden-Wurttembergtogether with an accompanying supply ship, were heading towards or passing through the strait.
Chinese army on ‘high alert’
Warships from the United States and Canada have repeatedly crossed the Taiwan Strait in recent months, a major geopolitical issue that led the Chinese military to declare itself in “state of alert”. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and says it is ready to retake the island by force if necessary. Taiwan is governed autonomously.
In 2021, Berlin launched the German Navy’s first mission to the Asia-Pacific region since the early 2000s, without venturing into the Taiwan Strait. The government of Olaf Scholz has toughened its stance on China amid rising economic and geopolitical rivalries, while seeking a delicate balance between protecting its strategic and security interests and maintaining economic ties with this crucial trading partner.
Chinese Foreign Minister Li said Saturday that the People’s Liberation Army has sent maritime and air forces to “monitor and warn” German ships.
