German foreign minister criticises aggressive China ahead of trip to Japan

BERLIN (GWN) -Germany’s foreign minister on Sunday criticised what he called the “aggressive behaviour” of China in the Taiwan Strait ahead of a trip to Japan and Indonesia, and burdened the need to strengthen internationally binding guidelines.

Speaking to reporters, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul praised Japan’s solidarity with Europe over Ukraine as he ready to board a airplane, and highlighted the significance and financial potential of the 2 populous Asian nations.

His ministry also revealed a separate assertion from Wadephul in which he expressed concern about China.

“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 area over territorial claims.

Earlier this week the Chinese army said it monitored and “drove away” a U.S. destroyer that sailed close to the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, while the U.S. Navy said its motion was in line with worldwide law.

Wadephul’s criticism of China comes as Chancellor Friedrich Merz prepares to be part of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at a assembly with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington that goals to work in direction of a peace settlement in Ukraine.

China, a major trading associate but also rival of Germany, has stood by Russia since its invasion of Ukraine, inflicting friction with Western powers over the battle. Beijing says it’s not serving to Russia’s army and shouldn’t be a social gathering to the struggle.

(Writing by Dave Graham; Editing by Sharon Singleton)