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China has criticised Germany for sending military vessels through the Taiwan Strait, claiming it heightens security risks and sends wrong signals.
China claims sovereignty over Taiwan and the Taiwan Strait, while the U.S. and Taiwan consider it an international waterway.
China's embassy in Germany lodged representations with Berlin, asserting Taiwan belongs to China, a position rejected by Taiwan's democratically elected government.
China urged Germany to avoid any "interference" that would jeopardize bilateral relations.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed the ships' passage, marking the first time in over 20 years that German military ships have navigated the Taiwan Strait.
China's military spokesperson Li Xi accused Berlin of increasing security risks and stated that the People's Liberation Army had monitored and warned off the German ships, asserting that Beijing's military would resolutely counter all threats and provocations.
China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and claims authority over the strait between Taiwan and mainland China.
The Chinese government has become more assertive in its stance towards Taiwan, including through large-scale military exercises and stern warnings against moves towards independence.
In response, Pistorius defended the voyage, stating that the route taken by the German vessels was "the shortest and safest given the weather conditions," and emphasized that they were navigating through international waters.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz commented on the situation, noting that "there is not much to say… it's an international waterway."
Taiwan welcomed the German, as well as US, Canadian, and Dutch actions, praising these countries for affirming the Taiwan Strait's status as international waters and supporting freedom of navigation while maintaining regional peace.
