BERLIN 

Germany defended its warship’s passage through the Taiwan Strait on Friday, despite protests from China. 

Speaking at a press conference in Berlin, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed that the German frigate Baden-Wurttemberg and an accompanying navy vessel have entered the Taiwan Strait.

“International waters are international waters. It’s the shortest way, and it’s the safest way given the weather conditions. These are international waters, so we are passing through,” he said.

China, however, sharply criticized the move, and reiterated its position that the Taiwan Strait is not international waters.

“The Taiwan question is not about freedom of navigation but about China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters in Beijing.

“We respect countries’ right to navigation in relevant waters in accordance with China’s laws and international law, including UNCLOS. But we firmly oppose any act of provocation under the pretext of freedom of navigation that harms China’s sovereignty and security,” she added.