Question:

Let’s imagine that the current series of summits on the Ukraine war manages to bring about a ceasefire, ideally even a peaceful resolution. Wouldn’t US President Trump then have proven that threats and pressure can achieve more than classic diplomacy can?

Johann Wadephul:

That’s a false dichotomy – classic diplomacy makes use of pressure as well. There is a reason why the European Union has already passed 18 sanctions packages, which significantly inhibit Russia’s ability to finance its aggression. Sanctions work best when they are uniformly applied by all parties and loopholes are closed. We are working day in, day out to do so. I explicitly welcome President Trump’s efforts for a peaceful resolution for Ukraine. That is classic diplomacy – striving for solutions, however difficult they may be. It now falls to Russia’s President Putin to prove that he takes the US President seriously. Because currently we are seeing Putin let the war continue unabated while his Foreign Minister throws up obstacle after obstacle to direct talks between Putin and President Zelenskyy. Our position is clear – Ukraine alone decides on its borders and future. We stand by its side in this and are committed to a peaceful resolution that will guarantee security for Ukraine and Europe.

Question:

Diplomacy seems to have reached its limits in the Gaza war as well. Or do you still see some possibility of preventing Israel from occupying Gaza City?

Johann Wadephul:

Now in particular, it is urgent to continue negotiations on a ceasefire. This is the only possible way to alleviate the suffering in Gaza – the suffering of the hostages, who remain in the hands of Hamas, and the suffering of the civilian population. It is the only way to prevent yet more civilians, including women and children, from dying in the war, in addition to the tens of thousands who have already been killed. The expansion of the operations to include Gaza City means that hundreds of thousands of civilians will end up in the crossfire once again. I reiterate that we, like the Israeli military’s Chief of Staff himself, have doubts about the proportionality of capturing Gaza City, where almost one million people live. We have clearly expressed this dissent and taken action as a result, concerning the delivery of military equipment that could be used there.

Question:

When it comes to the building of settlements in the West Bank, Israel seems equally impervious to criticism. Was Germany’s past approach to this issue, even considering its historically rooted responsibility towards the Jewish state, too cautious?

Johann Wadephul:

Our rejection of Israeli settlement policy is very much a long-standing position, and incidentally also international law. The building of settlements is and remains illegal. We advocate a negotiated two-state solution because we firmly believe it is the only solution that can bring Israelis and Palestinians a future in peace and security. Every new settlement, on the other hand, is a further obstacle to this process. I find it particularly shocking that some cabinet members are articulating entirely openly that the main goal of the settlement expansions is to prevent a Palestinian state. I speak with my Israeli counterpart often. And I frequently ask him: How is that meant to serve your security? Placing ever-greater restrictions on the Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem lays the foundation for further conflicts. As does, incidentally, the fact that Israel does nothing to stop radical settlers and extremists in attacks on Palestinian villages.

Question:

You have just been in Asia, where you warned China that it must act less aggressively in the Indo-Pacific. But if, to cite the most obvious example, China were to attack Taiwan – what could the West do to stop it without becoming embroiled in a war?

Johann Wadephul:

We must prevent things from reaching that stage in the first place. The status of Taiwan must only be changed peacefully and consensually. The growing tensions in the Taiwan Strait are a source of concern for us – and for our partners in Europe, the US and the Indo-Pacific, where I have just been travelling. It must be clear to China that the UN Charter’s prohibition of the use of force applies everywhere. I clearly emphasised this during my trip and I have been saying the same in my talks with my Chinese counterpart. Any escalation in or around Taiwan would have immediate consequences for global security and the global economy. Taiwan is one of the leading hubs for the semiconductor industry worldwide, and the Taiwan Strait is one of the world’s key trade routes.

Question:

Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz is already being called a “Foreign Chancellor”, as the major conflicts mentioned are discussed primarily at the level of heads of state and government. Is your ministry losing relevance?

Johann Wadephul:

Good foreign policy includes good task-sharing in order to have an impact internationally. If Germany is amplifying its voice on the international stage, and issues of war and peace are being discussed at the highest level – as they are in all of our partner states, too – then that shows that foreign policy is gaining in relevance overall. And of course, discussing foreign and security policy issues has never been the sole preserve of the Federal Foreign Office. From defence to the economy to the environment and climate action, foreign policy is a concert with a large orchestra. Ensuring this orchestra hits the right notes, properly preparing, negotiating, liaising, coordinating, and involving the right people, is and remains a core task of the Federal Foreign Office with its staff of over 13,000 people. In light of the global challenges we face, this task is more important than ever.

Question:

The Ukraine war, the Gaza war, an unpredictable US administration – the job of Foreign Minister isn’t exactly a walk in the park these days, is it?

Johann Wadephul:

Well, it’s not as if I signed up for a holiday in the lovely Münsterland. Foreign policy isn’t a fair-weather outing, it’s more like sailing on the high seas – there may be fog, or clouds, and often a stiff breeze in your face. The most important thing is that you are not alone in the storm and that you choose the right places to drop anchor. And that is very much the case. I lead a wonderful ministry with incredibly dedicated staff and we have strong, reliable partners in Europe and around the world. Yes, there are many serious, important topics to address, and my role involves a lot of pressure. But I feel privileged every day to be able to serve my country in this way.

Interview conducted by Thorsten Bothe.