China Condemns German Navy’s Passage Through Taiwan Strait, Reports Reuters

BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s military criticized the recent passage of two German navy ships through the Taiwan Strait, asserting that it heightened security risks and sent an inappropriate message. The Chinese forces reportedly monitored and issued warnings to the vessels during their transit.

China regards Taiwan, which operates its own democratic government, as part of its territory, claiming sole sovereignty over the strait. In contrast, both the United States and Taiwan maintain that the strait is an international waterway, vital for global trade, through which approximately half of the world’s container ships navigate.

The People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theatre Command described the German ships’ passage—a frigate and a supply vessel—as an act of "public hyping," emphasizing that their naval and air forces were vigilant throughout the event. An official statement remarked, "The German side’s behavior increases security risks and sends the wrong signal. Troops in the theatre are always on high alert and will resolutely counter any threats or provocations."

In a separate announcement, China’s embassy in Germany stated it had formally expressed concerns to Berlin regarding the situation, reiterating that Taiwan is part of China, a claim firmly rejected by the Taiwanese government. The embassy further asserted that the Taiwan Strait constitutes Chinese waters, denying the existence of any "international waters."

China urged Germany to refrain from any actions that could disrupt the positive and stable development of bilateral relations. The Taiwanese government maintains that only its people have the authority to determine the island’s future.

U.S. warships frequently navigate the strait, approximately once every two months, which often provokes strong reactions from Beijing. Other U.S. allies such as Canada and Britain have also occasionally transited through the strait.

In response to the ongoing tension, China has increased its military presence near Taiwan over the past five years, conducting various military exercises. However, Taiwan’s defense ministry stated last month that it believes China currently lacks the capability for a full-scale invasion, a claim that drew criticism from China’s defense ministry, labeling it "absurd and ridiculous."

On the same day, Taiwan’s coast guard reported that it dispatched ships to monitor and warn off four Chinese maritime police vessels operating near the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen islands, which are situated close to China’s coastline. The coast guard reiterated its commitment to uphold Taiwan’s sovereignty while adhering to principles of no provocation, no conflict, and no display of weakness.

Calls to China’s defense ministry for further comments went unanswered.