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German Naval Vessels Sail Through Taiwan Strait After 22 years Two German naval vessels are navigating through the Taiwan Strait, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on September 13, becoming the first German naval vessels to do so in 22 years.China, which claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own, says only it exercises sovereignty and jurisdiction over the strait. Both the United States and Taiwan say the strait - a major trade route through which about half of global container ships pass - is an international waterway.Speaking in Berlin, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said he could confirm the passage of the frigate "Baden-Wuerttemberg" and supply ship "Frankfurt am Main.""International waters are international waters. It's the shortest and, given the weather conditions, the safest route. So we are passing through," he said.Taiwan's defence ministry declined immediate comment.A security source familiar with the situation said the ships would likely fully clear the strait on Saturday.Speaking in Beijing before the transit was confirmed on Friday, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said it condemned excuses for infringing China's sovereignty.