Germany has sailed two warships through the Taiwan Strait in its first transit of the disputed waters in more than two decades, as Berlin seeks to increase its defense engagement in the Asia-Pacific region.

Germany sent its first warship through the Taiwan Strait in 22 years, defying China’s warnings as relations between the two sides fray over trade and Russia’s war in Ukraine.

China claims sovereignty and jurisdiction over the Taiwan Strait, which separates the Chinese mainland from the self-governed island of Taiwan