BEIJING: China on Saturday alleged Germany of heightening security risks in the Taiwan Strait, a day following two German ships sailed through the sensitive waters.
In a statement, Chinese military spokesperson Li Xi stated that the behavior of Germany increases security risks in the region. According to the spokesperson, Germany sends incorrect signals. China’s troops in the region would “resolutely counter all provocations and threats,” Li said.
Taiwan Strait
On the other hand, German Minister for Defense Affairs Boris Pistorius also confirmed on Friday that the frigate Baden-Wuerttemberg as well as the supply Frankfurt am Main sailed through the strait.
American military vessels as well as those operated by other nations have frequently sailed through the sensitive waterway, AFP reported. But the Baden-Wuerttemberg’s voyage was the first time in more than two decades that German navy had done so, local media reported.
China’s Li said Saturday that China’s military had deployed forces to “monitor and warn off” the German ships.
Earlier, a senior Chinese military official said that Beijing would “crush” any foreign incursion into its sovereign territory including in the South China Sea. The official made these remarks on the sidelines of a defense forum.
Chinese army Lieutenant General He Lei told a group of journalists that they hoped that the South China Sea would remain a sea of peace. The military official maintained that if the US moves its pawns behind the scenes, Chinese will resolutely crush any foreign encroachment.
Similarly, the Chinese foreign ministry stated that China’s vice foreign minister and his Philippine counterpart have had a “frank and in-depth” talks on sea-related matters.
During their talks, China reiterated its demand for the immediate withdrawal of a Philippine ships and pledged to “firmly uphold its sovereignty”, the statement further said.
