TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — After weeks of speculation concerning the transit of German naval vessels through the Taiwan Strait, the frigate Baden-Wurttemberg and supply ship Frankfurt am Main passed through the Taiwan Strait on Friday (Sept. 13). 

Earlier in the day, German Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius confirmed the naval vessels would pass through the Taiwan Strait en route from South Korea to Indonesia, reported CNA. Pistorius made the remarks at a press conference with the defense ministers of Lithuania, as the ships were approaching the strait. 

The passage of the German navy through the Taiwan Strait marks the first such transit in 22 years. Earlier in the week, China’s Foreign Ministry warned Berlin of provocative actions relating to Taiwan. 

Pistorius said on Friday the passage is in full compliance with international laws, and that Germany has the right to transit international waters. He also said the ships chose the path through the strait because it was the most direct and safest route given the climatic conditions.