During his visit to Indonesia on August 20, 2025, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul cautioned that escalating tensions in the Indo-Pacific—particularly China’s growing military assertiveness in the South China Sea and rising pressures in the Taiwan Strait—pose serious risks to international security and jeopardise the globally-established rules-based order. He highlighted that China's aggressive posture not only endangers regional peace but also threatens vital trade routes, amplifying risks for Europe’s stability and economic well-being.
Wadephul further underscored that any conflict escalation in the Taiwan Strait would have far-reaching consequences beyond Asia, impacting global prosperity and directly affecting Germany and European interests too. His remarks reflect Europe’s recognition that security in distant regions like the Indo-Pacific cannot be separated from European economic and strategic resilience.
