As China flexes muscle, German Navy sails to Asia to reassure allies

WILHELMSHAVEN, Germany -- A German frigate and combat supply ship set sail from Europe to Asia this week in a show of support for allies facing China's "aggressive behavior," with the defense minister not ruling out the prospect of the vessels passing through the Taiwan Strait.

In the three years since the German Navy last headed for the Indo-Pacific region, the geopolitical picture has worsened significantly. The threat of war is ringing louder in the region, while Ukraine and Gaza are facing daily bombardments.