German FM Wadephul says China’s assertiveness in disputed Sea threatens European interests

Germany’s foreign minister stated on Wednesday that tensions in the Taiwan Strait and China’s aggression in the disputed South China Sea pose a threat to global security and European interests.

“What happens here in the Indo-Pacific has a direct impact on European security and vice versa,” Johann Wadephul stated during a speech in Jakarta, referring to the Asia-Pacific area by another description.

Following discussions with his Indonesian colleague, Wadephul declared, “China’s increasing military assertiveness in the South China Sea not only threatens Asia’s security but also undermines the international rules-based order.”

“With essential trade routes running right through this area, it also constitutes an economic risk.”

He said the same applied to frictions in the Taiwan Strait, where China has deployed fighter jets, warships and coast guard ships near Taiwan and has held several major military exercises around the island in recent years.

China has never ruled Taiwan, but Beijing insists it is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring it under its control.

“Any escalation would have serious consequences for global security and prosperity, and directly affect German and European interests, too,” he said.

China warned Germany on Monday against “inciting confrontation and hyping up tensions” in the region.

Wadephul said in a statement on Sunday before leaving for Asia that China was “increasingly asserting its regional supremacy” and questioning principles of international law.