German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul publicly criticized growing Chinese dominance in the region while speaking at a Japanese naval base in Yokosuka. Beijing responded angrily to accusations of "aggressive actions" and warned against "inciting confrontation and tensions." Wadephul declared that borders should not be shifted by force, a statement framed with regard to Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory. Germany maintains the one-China policy but preserves economic, cultural and research ties with Taiwan and advocates peaceful reunification by mutual agreement. CDU politician Jurgen Hardt expressed concern about China's stance toward Russia and urged a clear signal from Berlin.
When German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stood in front of warships at the Japanese naval base in Yokosuka on Tuesday and spoke about China's growing dominance in the region, he knew where it would be viewed particularly critically. China hasn't still forgotten the German-Japanese alliance during World War II. So, a day before, when Wadephul accused China of "aggressive actions" in the region, Beijing reacted angrily and warned against "inciting confrontation and tensions." But the German foreign minister appeared to have no intention of backing down.
"Neither in Europe, nor in the Indo-Pacific, nor anywhere else in the world, should borders be shifted by force," Wadephul said at the military base in Yokosuka. It is a clear message with regard to Taiwan officially known as the "Republic of China." Beijing claims sovereignty over the self-ruled democratic island and vows to seize control, even by force if necessary.
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