Berlin.
During her trip to East Asia, Foreign Minister Baerbock experienced the fear of China first hand. She promotes an Indo-Pacific alliance.
What do the Ukraine war and China’s increasingly robust presence in East Asia have in common? The question is absurd only at first glance. Then Europa is caught in his internal vision. Since February 24, 2022, there has been almost only one topic: the Ukraine war and its consequences.
Another major source of conflict is still not really on Europe’s radar screen: that which is becoming ever more aggressive China alarmed the states in the Indo-Pacific – especially South Korea and Japan. On the one hand, this applies to Beijing’s acceptance of the North Korean dictator’s increasingly severe nuclear threats Kim Jong-un.
become the other Chinas Threats to Taiwan increasingly martial. Elaborate military maneuvers are intended to demonstrate the ability of the People’s Republic to occupy the “breakaway province”. At the same time, Beijing is alienating the countries bordering the South China Sea: islands are being artificially built up and military bases are being set up in the resource-rich region. “China first, international law second”.
Ukraine Crisis – The most important news about the war
China Threat: “What Happens in Ukraine Today May Happen in Taiwan Tomorrow”
On her trip to East Asia, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) experienced the concerns in the region first hand. The visit after China, South Korea and Japan have sharpened their perspective on this part of the world. For the People’s Republic’s neighbors, there is a direct link between Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and a sense of threat from Beijing. As a diplomat in Tokyo puts it: “What today in the Ukraine happens can happen tomorrow in Taiwan.”
The two trouble spots in Ukraine and East Asia are also related because Russia and China have a “rock-solid” relationship. The People’s Republic is not (yet) supplying weapons to Moscow, but it shares the Kremlin’s anti-Western narrative.
Not only Europe, but also East Asia is experiencing a “turning point”. Therefore advertises Baerbock rightly for a new strategic alliance. It is a community of states linked by democratic values that could be described as the new West. It is dedicated to defending the rules-based international order. The G7 foreign ministers made a glowing commitment to this at their summit in Karuizawa, Japan. Read about this: Baerbock wants an alliance as a counterweight to China and Russia
Also read: Conflicts in Asia: Baerbock sends a clear signal to the G7 countries.
Baerbock trip to East Asia sets important accents
This European-American-East Asian community is reflected not only in words, but already in deeds. Countries like South Korea and Japan participate in the sanctions against Russia. In return, Europe, and especially Germany, condemned China’s military muscle flexing over Taiwan. In 2024, the Bundeswehr will send a naval ship to monitor the sanctions against North Korea in the Indo-Pacific.
Baerbock set important accents on her East Asia visit. It has shown appreciation for the countries in the region, which account for an ever-increasing share of the global economy. The trip also represents a broadening of the horizon of German foreign policy.
Politicians still have some homework to do here, however. First of all, the federal government should quickly issue its new China Strategy submit. In addition, the population must be taken along. A key question: What would it mean if the West imposed sanctions on China in the event of an invasion of Taiwan? The People’s Republic is Germany’s most important trading partner – companies doing business with China would suffer. This is not an argument for not imposing sanctions. But the consequences must be discussed openly.
Ukraine war – background and explanations for the conflict
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