German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has sharply criticized China for its "increasingly aggressive" behavior in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China Seas, warning that such actions threaten international security and directly affect European interests. Speaking ahead of and during his visit to Japan and Indonesia, Wadephul accused China of repeatedly issuing threats to unilaterally change borders in the Asia-Pacific region, which undermines fundamental principles of global coexistence and the international rules-based order. He emphasized that Germany and Japan are united in addressing the security challenges posed by Russia and China and expressed Berlin's intention to deepen diplomatic, economic, and military cooperation with Tokyo. Wadephul also highlighted concerns over China's rapid military buildup in the South China Sea, which he said jeopardizes regional security and the broader international order. In response, China condemned Germany for "hyping" tensions and accused Berlin of exaggerating regional issues, with Chinese state media asserting the historical and legal basis of China's sovereignty over the South China Sea islands. Additionally, during his visit to Indonesia, Wadephul voiced support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, underlining Germany's special partnership with Israel and the responsibility that comes with it.
The United States has played the disgraceful role of a sheer lie-monger on the South China Sea issue, according to a report released on Thursday https://t.co/2HfSXTLM4L https://t.co/3ylukuhG8w
China's sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao -- known in English as the South China Sea islands -- and related maritime rights were established through centuries of historical development and rest on solid historical and legal foundations: think tank report https://t.co/nrDbnrfFq3 https://t.co/6PV3bH1Y7a
The interference of extra-regional powers, particularly the United States, has significantly intensified the militarization of the #SouthChinaSea, says a report released on Thursday. https://t.co/wkYoQQ7VSZ https://t.co/ShqbnX3T1I