Indo-Pacific tensions impact European interests, German minister warns

BERLIN (Reuters) -China's assertiveness in the South China Sea and tensions in the Taiwan Strait pose threats to international security that also impact Europe, German foreign minister Johann Wadephul said during a visit to Indonesia on Wednesday.

"China's growing military assertiveness in the South China Sea not only threatens Asia's security, but also undermines the international rules-based order as a whole," Wadephul said in a speech at a foreign policy event, adding that essential trade routes were also at risk as a result.

On the Taiwan Strait, the minister said: "Any escalation would have serious consequences for global security and prosperity – and directly affect German and European interests, too."

(Reporting by Rachel MoreEditing by Ludwig Burger)