Iran Press/ Asia: According to a report by Reuters on Saturday, the German Navy ships are scheduled to make the passage mid-month.
This will be the first time in 22 years that German warships have sailed through the Taiwan Strait.Last month, Reuters reported that the ships had been awaiting Berlin’s approval to proceed, which had drawn criticism from China.
Beijing opposes any foreign military presence in the area, particularly due to its claims over Taiwan and its surrounding waters. Spiegel further noted, citing informed sources, that Germany does not plan to officially notify China of the ships’ transit. Berlin views this move as a routine operation, reinforcing its stance on freedom of navigation in international waters.
In recent weeks, other nations, including the United States and Canada, have also sent warships through the Taiwan Strait, signaling their support for maintaining open access to this key global trade route.
China continues to assert its sovereignty over Taiwan, despite the island's claims of independence. The Taiwan Strait is a significant commercial waterway, with around half of the world’s container ships passing through its waters.
Axel Schulz, commander of the German Navy’s task force, told Reuters last month that the ships' transit highlights Germany’s commitment to a rules-based international order and the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts.
The German vessels are expected to take part in joint military exercises with France, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and the United States.
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