For the first time in over two decades, Germany sent a warship to the South China Sea, joining other Western nations in bolstering their military presence in the region amid mounting concern about China's territorial ambitions.
The US Navy often performs so-called "freedom of navigation" operations in which its vessels travel near to several of the disputed islands as a show of force against Chinese territorial claims. China, for its part, opposes US deployments, claiming that they do not contribute to peace or stability.
Washington has made opposing China a priority in its national security strategy, and it is attempting to unite allies against Beijing's more repressive economic and foreign actions.
The German navy, according to Berlin officials, would stick to traditional trade routes. The frigate is also not scheduled to cruise across the Taiwan Strait, which Beijing has previously criticised as a routine US practice.
Nonetheless, Berlin has made it plain that the mission's purpose is to emphasize Germany's rejection of China's territorial claims.
As China has become Berlin's most significant commercial partner, Germany is walking a tightrope between its security and economic objectives. Exports from Germany have aided in reducing the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on Europe's largest economy.
Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Germany's defense minister, visited Wilhelmshaven to see the frigate Bayern off on its seven-month journey to Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam. In mid-December, the vessel is anticipated to transit the South China Sea, making it the first German warship to do so since 2002. "We want existing law to be followed," said the group.
"Freely navigable sea routes, open societies, and trade that follows fair laws," Kramp-Karrenbauer stated.
info: News
