Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on August 17, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 22, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleGermany's foreign minister criticizes China's aggressive behavior in the Taiwan Strait, emphasizing the need for international rules ahead of his trip to Japan.
BERLIN (Reuters) -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 stressed the need to strengthen internationally binding rules.
Speaking to reporters, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul praised Japan's solidarity with Europe over Ukraine as he prepared to board a plane, and highlighted the importance and economic potential of the two populous Asian countries.
His ministry also published a separate statement 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 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.
(Writing by Dave Graham; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul criticized China's 'aggressive behaviour' in the Taiwan Strait, highlighting that it affects Europe and fundamental principles of global co-existence.
Wadephul's trip emphasizes the importance of solidarity with Japan over Ukraine and the economic potential of the Asia-Pacific region amidst rising tensions with China.
The Chinese military claimed to have monitored and 'drove away' a U.S. destroyer near the disputed Scarborough Shoal, indicating ongoing territorial disputes in the region.
Germany is committed to countering aggressive actions through a strong international order, which is supported by the rule of law and binding rules for all nations.
China's support for Russia since its invasion of Ukraine has created friction with Western powers, including Germany, complicating their economic relationship.
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