The German foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock has expressed concern over China’s actions in the South China Sea, stating that they violate the rights of Asian coastal states and threaten freedom of navigation along with emphasising the need to resolve territorial disputes peacefully. He said, “The world doesn’t need another crisis.”
During her visit to Manila, Annalena Baerbock engaged in discussions with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other high-ranking officials. She expressed Germany’s readiness to assist in de-escalating rising tensions and emphasized the importance of establishing “mechanisms” for peaceful dispute resolution and promoting smooth exchange of dialogue. She conveyed in a news conference held in Manila that “There are truly rough winds blowing across the South China Sea and this is happening in the middle of one of the most dynamic economic regions of the world,”
“It is now important to set up mechanisms to solve tensions together in a peaceful way,” she also added “I think we all agree that the world doesn’t need another crisis. There are too many crises at once.” As a symbolic expression of Germany’s solidarity with the Philippines, Baerbock toured the Coast Guard headquarters in Manila and embarked on a patrol ship. During the visit, she briefly operated one of the surveillance drones donated by Germany to the Philippines.
Philippine Coast Guard authorities stated that the drones would assist in safeguarding the country’s territorial interests in the South China Sea, enforcing maritime laws, and conducting search and rescue missions in sea accidents.
There was no immediate response from Chinese officials. The longstanding territorial dispute between Beijing and Manila intensified last year, raising concerns that it might escalate into a major conflict, potentially involving the United States, a longstanding treaty ally of the Philippines. Philippine officials reported that Chinese coast guard ships, along with accompanying vessels, employed military-grade lasers and water cannons against Philippine coast guard and supply vessels. These actions, coupled with perilous manoeuvres near contested shoals, led the Philippines to lodge numerous diplomatic protests against China.
The United States has consistently cautioned that it is committed to defending the Philippines if its forces, aircraft, and ships face an armed attack, including in the South China Sea. In response, China has cautioned the U.S. and its allies against involvement in what it deems a solely Asian dispute, urging them not to bolster their forces in the region and warning of unspecified consequences. Germany and other European nations, including Baerbock, expressed concern about China’s actions in the South China Sea.
Baerbock emphasized that such hazardous manoeuvres contravene the rights and economic development opportunities of the Philippines and other coastal states. Baerbock joined her Philippine counterpart, Enrique Manalo, in the news conference. She highlighted that China’s actions cast doubt on freedom of navigation and international law, impacting countries globally.
Baerbock asserted that China’s claims are not under international law. As the German foreign minister, the first to visit the Philippines in approximately a decade to strengthen diplomatic ties, she referred to a 2016 ruling by a United Nations-backed arbitration panel. This ruling invalidated China’s expansive territorial claims on historical grounds. Despite China’s refusal to participate and its dismissal of the ruling, Baerbock emphasized that the arbitration decision was unequivocal.
