Question:

Given the current crisis in transatlantic relations, what additional role could the Asia-Pacific region play for Germany in the future?

Johann Wadephul:

At a time of competing major powers, we need partners who see the world in a similar way as we do and with whom we can implement our vision of fair international cooperation. Many countries in the Asia-Pacific region are such partners: just like us, they want a functioning international order, free trade with the same rules for all, secure maritime routes and joint solutions to address the impact of climate change. We want to further strengthen these very partnerships, with countries such as South Korea, Japan or India, but also with smaller and medium-sized countries like Singapore or Sri Lanka. I’ve already visited the region four times in these still early days of my tenure as Foreign Minister. I’ve been to Japan, Indonesia, India, China – and recently also to Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Brunei and Tonga. In all my talks, I have discovered time and again how much connects us. Therefore, I’m particularly pleased that today I’ll be meeting my Sri Lankan counterpart, Vijitha Herath, who will be guest of honour at today's anniversary celebration of the East Asian Association.

Question:

Since relations with China play a dominant role for economic reasons: has Germany neglected its relations with other Asian countries in recent years?

Johann Wadephul:

This government is focusing more than ever before on deepening and strengthening our global partnerships. However, we have been systematically expanding our relations with countries in the Indo-Pacific region in particular for years, for example by ensuring even closer economic integration through free trade agreements with the EU. We have concluded agreements with Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia and Viet Nam. Recently, we also agreed with India to conclude a free trade agreement. This offers huge potential for German business and, at the same time, sends a message to the world which is invaluable in political terms: we Europeans are reliable partners. We don’t see international cooperation and economic exchange as a zero-sum game, but rather as an asset in itself and a genuine opportunity to grow together.

Question:

In many parts of Asia, China is perceived not only as a partner, but also as a rival. What role does this fact play in Germany's relations with smaller countries in the region?

Johann Wadephul:

We have the same concerns as many other countries when it comes to China’s opaque build-up of military capabilities and its policy of power projection in the Indo-Pacific. An escalation in the Taiwan Strait and in the East and South China Seas, for instance, would have serious consequences – both for global security and for our prosperity. That is why we are also providing practical support to help enhance the maritime resilience of our partners in the region, for example through projects that strengthen the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

At the same time, we are increasingly seeing China use critical dependencies for economic coercion. Together with our partners in the region, we therefore want to become more resilient, for instance when it comes to supply chains for critical raw materials. This includes intensifying cooperation with regional organisations such as ASEAN or the Pacific Islands Forum in order to coordinate our interests even more closely. Nevertheless, it’s clear that we want to continue to cooperate with China, as the Chancellor recently reiterated during his trip to China.

Question:

Do you fear that China could be encouraged by Russia’s actions in Ukraine to assert its interests in relation to Taiwan in a similarly ruthless manner?

Johann Wadephul:

Like many partners, we, too, are concerned about the tense situation around Taiwan. The status quo must only be changed peacefully and by mutual agreement. We expect China, as a responsible international player, to ensure that its actions contribute to stability and peace in the region. The prohibition of the use of force enshrined in the United Nations Charter applies universally, including in the Taiwan Strait. One thing is clear: dialogue is the only way to ease tensions.

Furthermore, I view China’s substantial and growing support for Russia’s war of aggression critically. China has the opportunity and the means to influence Putin. We want China to use its influence for a lasting, sustainable and just peace in Ukraine. The Chancellor stressed this once more while in Beijing.

Question:

The European Commission is currently attempting to keep Chinese investors away from critical infrastructure in the European Union, including sea and inland ports. What is the German Government’s standpoint on this issue?

Johann Wadephul:

First and foremost, it’s important that we evaluate the situation frankly: in the past, we haven’t always acted in accordance with our long-term interests. However, our security must be the absolute priority. Ports and mobile phone networks must be protected against cyber attacks to the same extent as they are against physical attacks. At the same time, we have to ensure that no one can throttle the capacity of our ports, power grids or mobile phone networks in order to harm or blackmail us. Incidentally, China protects itself in the same way. It’s therefore only logical that we review the situation carefully when other countries want to invest in our critical infrastructure, such as ports. We don’t want to isolate ourselves, but when it comes to our security, we take a very close look – and, of course, coordinate closely within the EU.

Question:

What can Germany learn from Asian societies such as Japan and South Korea in particular, which are already in the midst of the demographic change that still lies ahead for our country?

Johann Wadephul:

We see that many parts of Asia are very open to innovative, technical solutions. Japan, for example, relies on state-of-the-art technology and artificial intelligence in the care sector. We in Germany can learn from this and take a leaf out of their book. Especially in the care sector, Germany has a shortage of skilled labour. Therefore, we are working with countries such as India, Viet Nam or the Philippines to recruit qualified personnel for our healthcare sector.

Question:

What is the Foreign Minister’s view on the civil society engagement fostered by the East Asian Association and similar organisations?

Johann Wadephul:

Friendships between countries only exist if they also exist between people. Associations and organisations – such as the East Asian Association – are an ideal platform for this. They bring our relations to life. I have the greatest respect for the work done by volunteers as well as that done by associations and organisations – and I am particularly grateful when this work serves our country’s interests. Diplomacy and the talks I have as Foreign Minister are important. But our good relations with countries in Asia can only truly take root through the commitment of people in associations and organisations. As a native of Schleswig-Holstein, it doesn’t surprise me at all that there are so many committed people in Bremen. As a Hanseatic city, Bremen has always maintained connections all over the world – that’s just in the nature of people in the North.