China: The transit of  two German navy ships through the Taiwan Strait increases security risks

BEIJING, Sept 14 (Reuters) – China’s military on Saturday condemned the transit of two German navy ships through the Taiwan Strait saying it increased security risks and sent the “wrong” signal, adding that Chinese forces monitored and warned the vessels.

The People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theatre Command said the passage of the two ships – a frigate and a supply vessel – was “public hyping”, and that its navy and air forces monitored and warned them throughout.

“The German side’s behaviour increases security risks and sends the wrong signal. Troops in the theatre are on high alert at all times and will resolutely counter all threats and provocations,” it said in a statement.

China urges Germany to avoid any “interference” that would jeopardise the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations, it added.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters that for Beijing, “the Taiwan issue is not an issue of freedom of navigation, but an issue related to China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

She said that while China respects the navigation rights of all countries, “we firmly oppose provocations endangering China’s sovereignty and security in the name of freedom of navigation.”

Source: Agencies

B.Q.