German minister raps China’s ‘risky maneuvers’

GERMAN Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock yesterday warned of “rough winds” amid tension in the South China Sea due to competing maritime claims of the Philippines, China, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

Baerbock, who is on a two-day visit to the country, made the remarks following his meeting with Foreign Affairs Chief Enrique Manalo.

The top German diplomat expressed concerns over the rising tension in the South China Sea, which saw an increase in Chinese aggressive activities, especially against the Philippines. China’s vessels in the West Philippine Sea in the South China Sea have

Blocked and subjected to water cannoning Philippine Coast Guard vessels on resupply run to Ayungin Shoal and Scarborough Shoal last year.

“In your region, tensions are rising, too. Rough winds are blowing across the South China Sea and this is happening in among the most important economic regions of the world,” Baerbock said, adding that China’s use of lasers and water cannons against Filipino vessels are a cause for concern.

“Such risky maneuvers violate the rights and opportunities for economic development of your country and other states as well,” she said.

“We can all agree that the world does not need another crisis,” she added.

Baerbock stressed the need for countries to unite and work together to prevent tension in the South China Sea from further escalation.

She said the South China Sea is a major economic artery through which nearly $5 trillion in goods passes annually, or nearly a third of the global maritime trade.

Baerbock said Germany will support mechanisms to ease tension in the area, build trust among the competing countries and prevent escalation.

Germany is a staunch supporter of Manila’s stand in its maritime territorial dispute with China over the latter’s massive claim in the South China Sea.

The Philippines, Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan are claiming parts, while Beijing claims nearly the whole South China Sea, contributing to tension in the area.

All, except Brunei, have stationed troops in the respective islands they are claiming.

A 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in a case brought by the Philippines however rejected