Tensions are high in the South China Sea, as China continues its aggressive tactics against Philippine vessels. JAM STA ROSA/AFP via Getty ImagesClashes between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea have been escalating for months as China unjustly claims sovereignty over a majority of the South China Sea, defying international law while increasing efforts to assert its authority in the area. While traveling to Manila, the Baden-Württemberg and Frankfurt am Main transited the Taiwan Strait, sparking backlash from China. The German warships transited the Taiwan Strait last week for the first time in 20 years. "International waters are international waters," he said .

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Persons: —, Per Andreas Pfaffernoschke, Pfaffernoschke, Mao Ning, German Defense Ministry Boris Pistorius, Mao Organizations: Service, Business, Baden, Philippine, ROSA, Getty, Ministry of Foreign, German Defense Ministry, Command Locations: Philippines, Taiwan Strait, Germany, China, South China, Berlin, Frankfurt, Manila, AFP, Beijing, Baden, Württemberg, Taiwan, Main