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Why is Germany wading into the Indo-Pacific’s strategic waters?
- Berlin’s relationship with Beijing is founded on economics and trade but now the European giant is taking a bigger interest in the region on the other side of the world
- Among the main concerns is the South China Sea, an area at risk of becoming a flashpoint
Reading Time:3 minutes
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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had barely wrapped up the Berlin leg of his five-nation European trip last week when Germany unveiled a major strategic shift.
Wang had been in Europe trying to repair ties damaged by the coronavirus pandemic, the national security law in Hong Kong and allegations of human rights abuses in Xinjiang.
But the day after he left, Germany announced it was adopting an Indo-Pacific strategy, suggesting a reassessment of its approach towards China.
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Germany’s relationship with China has long centred on economics and trade but now that is expected to encompass geopolitical interests and human rights.
02:56
Germany presses China on Hong Kong security law, seeks access to Uygurs in Xinjiang
Germany presses China on Hong Kong security law, seeks access to Uygurs in Xinjiang
The United States was the first to adopt an Indo-Pacific strategy in 2017, promoting the concept of a “free and open” region to check China’s growing military presence and economic influence.
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