Ahead of trip to Japan, Germany’s FM criticises China’s “aggressive behaviour” in Taiwan Strait

Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Sunday condemned China’s “increasingly aggressive” activities in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, ahead of his visit to Japan and Indonesia. He stressed the importance of upholding internationally binding rules to maintain global stability.

Speaking to reporters before boarding his flight, Wadephul praised Japan for its solidarity with Europe on the Ukraine conflict and highlighted the economic and strategic significance of both Japan and Indonesia.

In a statement released by his ministry, Wadephul expressed concern over China’s behaviour, saying it threatens “fundamental principles of our global co-existence” and underscores the need for a rules-based international order.

Tensions have been rising in the Asia-Pacific over territorial disputes. Earlier this week, China’s military claimed it had “monitored and driven away” a U.S. destroyer near the contested Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, an action the U.S. Navy said was in line with international law.

”China’s increasingly aggressive behaviour in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China Seas also affects us in Europe: fundamental principles of our global co-existence are at stake here,” the minister said.

”We are countering this together through our commitment to an international order, which is supported by the strength of the law and binding rules for all.”

Tensions have simmered between China and other powers in the Asia-Pacific region over territorial claims.

Earlier this week the Chinese military said it monitored and ”drove away” a U.S. destroyer that sailed near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, while the U.S. Navy said its action was in line with international law.

Wadephul’s criticism of China comes as Chancellor Friedrich Merz prepares to join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington that aims to work towards a peace settlement in Ukraine.

China, a major trading partner but also rival of Germany, has stood by Russia since its invasion of Ukraine, causing friction with Western powers over the conflict. Beijing says it is not helping Russia’s military and is not a party to the war.

With inputs from agencies