On Tuesday, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the recent passage of German and Canadian warships through the Taiwan Strait. These actions were seen as an affirmation of freedom of navigation in international waters.
On September 13, a German warship transited the strait for the first time in 22 years, while on July 31, a Canadian warship made its fourth passage since Canada’s announcement of the 2022 Indo-Pacific Strategy. These movements come amid growing regional tensions and increasing concerns about China's maritime assertions.
During a meeting with German parliamentarians Andreas Larem and Michael Müller, Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) expressed appreciation for Germany’s action. He stated that it demonstrates support for the rule-based international order. Lin further emphasized the need for democratic nations to unite against the challenges posed by authoritarian regimes, particularly in combating hybrid warfare, disinformation, and economic coercion.
Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Jeff Liu (劉永健) reiterated that the Taiwan Strait is recognized as international waters, where vessels from all nations have the right to free passage. This stance aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and has been demonstrated by numerous countries in recent years. Taiwan aims to deepen its relationship with both Germany and Canada, fostering cooperation in various fields including trade, technology, and security.