German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier voiced European concerns over escalating tensions in the South China Sea, warning that potential flare-ups could endanger freedom of navigation, drawing parallels to the impact of the Strait of Hormuz blockade.
The German President's statement underscores the global implications of the South China Sea disputes, highlighting European concerns about freedom of navigation and regional stability, which are critical for international trade and economic prosperity.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier stated on Tuesday that Europe is concerned about the ongoing tensions in the disputed South China Sea, warning that a significant escalation could jeopardize freedom of navigation, similar to the impact of the Strait of Hormuz blockade.
Speaking in Manila alongside Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during a state visit, Steinmeier drew a parallel between the Hormuz blockade, a consequence of the Iran war, and the continuing territorial confrontations in the South China Sea, particularly between the Philippines and China. He noted that the Indo-Pacific region, especially Southeast Asia, is a vital economic hub, and incidents there cause significant concern in Europe.
Steinmeier emphasized that violations of international maritime law pose a threat to freedom of navigation, a lesson learned from the Hormuz blockade which caused global spikes in fuel and fertilizer prices. While he did not directly blame any nation for the current tensions, Germany has previously indicated that China's actions in the contested waters contravene the rights of littoral states and imperil maritime freedom. Former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock had previously stated that China's claims are not supported by international law and called for peaceful resolutions.
Steinmeier pledged Germany's continued support to the Philippine coast guard, which has been at the forefront of Manila's territorial defense and involved in several maritime altercations with Chinese forces. President Marcos Jr. thanked Steinmeier and Germany for their consistent public support for the Philippines' efforts to uphold the rule of law in the South China Sea, including adherence to the 2016 Arbitral Award, which invalidated China's expansive claims.