Germany Defends Taiwan Strait Naval Passage Against Chinese Objections

Germany firmly counters China's objections to its naval passage through the Taiwan Strait. Michael Roth of the German Parliament underlined the legal and essential nature of this navigation for maintaining freedom and regional stability, despite China's accusations of provocation.

Germany has issued a staunch rebuttal to China's objections against its planned naval transit through the Taiwan Strait. Michael Roth, Chair of the German Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, criticized Beijing's increasingly aggressive posture. According to Taiwan's Central News Agency, Roth emphasized that Germany's right to navigate the strait is both lawful and crucial for preserving freedom of navigation and ensuring regional stability.

The report indicates that China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has voiced dissatisfaction with the anticipated transit of the German frigate 'Baden-Wurttemberg' and the supply ship 'Frankfurt am Main,' slated for mid-September. While China acknowledges international navigation rights, it contends that Germany is using 'freedom of navigation' as a pretext to provoke China and challenge its sovereignty.

Roth refuted Beijing's allegations, affirming that China often labels legitimate international actions as provocations when they counter its strategic aims. 'A transit is not a provocation,' Roth asserted on X (formerly Twitter). 'We oppose any unilateral and violent changes to the status quo by China in the Taiwan Strait.'

He stressed the importance of global resistance to China's expanding influence and territorial ambitions, notably President Xi Jinping's stated goal of unifying Taiwan by any means necessary. Roth cautioned that any military escalation in the Taiwan Strait could have disastrous repercussions for the global economy, potentially exceeding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Calling for a unified stance, Roth urged Germany to emulate other nations like the Netherlands and Canada, which have already dispatched naval ships through the Taiwan Strait this year. He expressed regret over Taiwan's frequent depiction as a flashpoint for conflict, highlighting its status as one of the most democratic and free societies in East Asia. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)