Germany ready to help de-escalate tensions in disputed South China Sea, its foreign minister says

Germany’s top diplomat, Annalena Baerbock, expressed concern on Thursday over China’s actions in the South China Sea, stating that they violate the rights of Asian coastal states, such as the Philippines, and pose a threat to freedom of navigation. Baerbock, who held talks with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other officials during her visit to Manila, emphasized the need for peaceful resolution of territorial disputes to avoid further crises.

Addressing the media at a news conference in Manila, Baerbock highlighted the challenges in the South China Sea, calling for the establishment of mechanisms to peacefully resolve tensions. She stressed the importance of avoiding additional crises, stating, “I think we all agree that the world doesn’t need another crisis. There are too many crises at once.”

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To demonstrate Germany’s support for the Philippines, Baerbock visited the coast guard headquarters in Manila and boarded a patrol ship. As a symbolic gesture, she briefly operated one of the surveillance drones that Germany donated to the Philippines. Philippine coast guard officials welcomed the drones, noting their significance in defending territorial interests, enforcing maritime laws, and conducting search and rescue missions in the South China Sea.

Baerbock’s visit comes against the backdrop of an escalated territorial dispute between China and the Philippines, prompting concerns about a potential major conflict involving the United States, a longstanding treaty ally of the Philippines. Last year, Chinese coast guard actions, including the use of military-grade laser and water cannons, raised tensions in the region, leading to numerous diplomatic protests from the Philippines.

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The German foreign minister expressed Germany’s concerns about China’s actions in the South China Sea, stating that such maneuvers violate the rights and economic development opportunities of littoral states. She emphasized that these actions also question the freedom of navigation and international law, affecting countries globally.

Baerbock referred to a 2016 ruling by a United Nations-backed arbitration panel that invalidated China’s extensive territorial claims in the South China Sea. China had refused to participate in the arbitration, dismissing the ruling and continuing to defy it. Baerbock reiterated the clarity of the arbitration ruling, emphasizing its importance in addressing the South China Sea disputes.

In conclusion, Baerbock called for dialogue and peaceful mechanisms to resolve tensions in the region and pledged Germany’s readiness to help de-escalate growing tensions in the South China Sea.