German FM: Rising tensions in SCS a concern for Europe

MANILA, Philippines —  Rising tensions in the region and China’s dangerous actions against the Philippines as well as developments in the South China Sea are of concern for Europe, Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said yesterday.

“The incidents over the recent months where the Chinese coast guard has used lasers and water cannons against Philippine resupply vessels, and even the collisions that happened are of concern for us in Europe even if it is thousands of kilometers away,” Baerbock said in a briefing with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo after their meeting.

This, she said, also called into question the freedom of navigation enshrined in international law affecting all countries worldwide.

She noted that the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) “speaks a clear language” while the 2016 arbitral ruling has already been “crystal clear” that Chinese claims are not covered by international law.

“It is now important to set up mechanisms to solve tensions together in a peaceful way,” Baerbock said. “I think we all agree that the world does not need another crisis,” the minister said as she mentioned the Russian war on Ukraine and the Middle East conflict the world is facing.

Baerbock, on a two-day official visit at the invitation of Manalo, also visited the Philippine Coast Guard, noting that it is facing challenges day by day.

“In addition to concrete training programs for the Coast Guard where we are already committed and where we intend to expand our commitment, we want to make clear freedom of navigation,” she said.

“And it is important to highlight that when it comes to questions about how UNCLOS needs to be upheld, we take a very clear stance on exclusive economic zones for each and every individual country,” she said.

According to Baerbock, Germany has deployed reconnaissance drones to bolster maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. “We want to continue this cooperation in the coastal area not only with regard to additional drones but also when it comes to training and regional cooperation,” she stated.

Emphasizing the importance of regional security, Manalo said he and his counterpart reaffirmed their