The German Foreign Minister made irresponsible and inaccurate remarks on the South China Sea issue before and after her visit to the Philippines, disregarding facts and unilaterally accusing China. China strongly expresses its dissatisfaction with this and firmly rejects such statements.

On January 11, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, during her visit to Manila, stated that China’s actions in the South China Sea violated the rights of coastal countries such as the Philippines. She emphasized the need to peacefully resolve territorial disputes under the current global situation. Baerbock expressed concern about the recent situation in the South China Sea and the conflicts involving Chinese and Philippine vessels in the region. She stated that Germany hopes to help ease the increasingly tense situation in the South China Sea and establish mechanisms for the peaceful resolution of disputes and dialogue.

In response to Baerbock’s remarks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, during a Thursday press briefing, stated that China’s position on the South China Sea issue has always been clear. China is committed to resolving differences through dialogue and consultation with relevant parties, willing to work with ASEAN countries to jointly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea. At the same time, China will firmly defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.

“The conflicts or disputes related to the South China Sea are matters between China and the relevant parties, and any third party has no right to intervene.”

This is not the first time Germany has sought to “assert its presence” on the South China Sea issue. As early as 2021, the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reported that the German frigate “Bayern” set sail for the Indo-Pacific region in early August of that year and, despite China’s objections, navigated through the South China Sea on its return journey. Reuters reported it as the first German warship to navigate the South China Sea since 2002.

Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung analyzed that Germany’s move indicated its opposition to China’s sovereignty claims in the disputed South China Sea region and aimed to enhance Germany’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Regarding the latest statement by the German Foreign Minister on the 11th, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Germany expressed a stern position: “Non-parties to the South China Sea issue should adhere to an objective and just position, speak more words conducive to mutual trust and cooperation, and do more things truly conducive to maintaining regional peace and stability, rather than sowing discord and provoking confrontation. Currently, multiple crises are still unresolved in Europe and its surrounding areas, and the world is calling for peace and stability. We advise certain German politicians to do more beneficial things to promote peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, rather than adding fuel to the fire.”