Germany ready to help reduce tensions in disputed South China Sea

Germany’s top diplomat has said that China’s actions in the South China Sea violate the rights of Asian coastal states like the Philippines and threaten freedom of navigation.

She did, however, add that territorial disputes have to be resolved peacefully because “the world doesn’t need another crisis."

Annalena Baerbock, who held talks with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other top officials while visiting Manila, said Germany was ready to help de-escalate growing tensions.

She added that it was crucial to set up “mechanisms” to resolve the disputes peacefully and foster dialogue.

"There are truly rough winds blowing across the South China Sea and this is happening in the middle of one of the most dynamic economic regions of the world,” she told a news conference in Manila.

“It is now important to set up mechanisms to solve tensions together in a peaceful way,” she said without elaborating. “I think we all agree that the world doesn’t need another crisis. There are too many crises at once.”

In a symbolic gesture of Germany’s support for the Philippines, Baerbock visited the coast guard headquarters in Manila and boarded a patrol ship, where she briefly flew one of a number of surveillance drones that Germany donated to the Philippines.

Philippine coast guard officials said the drones would help the country defend its territorial interests in the South China Sea, enforce maritime laws and undertake search and rescue missions during accidents at sea.

Chinese officials have not yet issued a reaction.

The decades-long territorial dispute escalated last year between Beijing and Manila, sparking fears it could degenerate into a major conflict that could involve the United States - a longtime treaty ally of the Philippines.

Chinese coast guard ships and accompanying vessels used military-grade laser and water cannons against Philippine coast guard and supply vessels and undertook dangerous manoeuvres near disputed shoals, prompting the Philippines to file a large number of diplomatic protests against China, Philippine officials said.

The US has repeatedly warned it is obligated to defend the Philippines if its forces, aircraft and ships come under an