Germany's economic growth fell into recession again in the first quarter, and experts bluntly said that "Germany's economy is in crisis". However, such a "sick man of Europe" is now going to China's periphery to show his "might". Germany's Handelsblatt said on the 31st that during the "Rim of the Pacific" exercise held by the United States and Western countries, the Germany Bundeswehr appeared in the Indo-Pacific region. Defense Secretary Pistorius began a one-week visit to the Asia-Pacific region on Tuesday. The goal of his trip is to give more support to United States and expand cooperation in the Philippines and other countries.
Germany's defense minister with the US commander in Honolulu
Participated in the Naval Association for the first time
Twenty-nine countries, led by the United States, are currently driving tensions in the Asia-Pacific region with the world's largest naval exercises. The countries participating in the RIMPAC exercise include 40 ships, more than 150 aircraft, three submarines and 25,000 personnel. According to German media, this is a demonstration of their military capabilities to China, a rising military power.
In addition to many European and Pacific countries such as Japan and the Philippines, Germany is also involved. The Air Force provides fighter jets and transport aircraft, and the Navy supplies the frigate Baden-Württemberg and the battle group supply ship Frankfurt am Main. As a result, Germany is more active than in the past. This was also evidenced by the visit of Federal Secretary of Defense Pistorius to Hawaii.
Report by Handelsblatt in Germany
Admiral Axel · Scholz said that so far Germany's involvement has been mainly staff liaison officers or mine divers. This year, for the first time, Germany is participating in the Naval Association.
RIMPAC is held every two years and is led by United States. Since 2014, China has also participated in the exercises. However, in 2018, the United States again canceled its invitation to China.
RIMPAC exercises
Visits to Hawaii, Korea and the Philippines
During his week-long visit, which begins on Tuesday, the German defense minister will visit exercises in which Germany participates and meet with political partners in the region. "Rimpac" lasts until August 1. The exercise, which began at the end of June, took place in the waters and land around the Hawaiian island chain. Pistorius will also visit Seoul, the capital of Korea, with the last stop being Manila, the capital of the Philippines.
Relations between China and the Philippines have been strained due to the Philippines' constant provocation in the South China Sea. However, because of Germany's dependence on United States for security matters, Pistorius wants to establish a long-term relationship between the German Bundeswehr and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in support of United States.
Of course, the public narrative is in favor of "freedom of navigation": as one of the world's largest exporters, the India-Pacific region is crucial for Germany. 90% of global trade is conducted by sea, most of which is through the India-Pacific region. Germany's Federal Defense Ministry spokesman Arn· Kolac said before the ministerial visit began that the aim was to show Germany "the importance of freedom of sea routes under a rules-based order." "That's where we're on the spot to show our presence."
The German Defense Minister inspects Germany ships
expressed support to the Philippines and other countries
According to Germany TV, in recent years, the situation has become clear: the German federal government is systematically expanding bilateral relations with United States allies in the Asia-Pacific region. In addition to participating in military exercises of the Bundeswehr in Germany, this includes important and symbolic visits by members of the German government to Australia to Fiji and then to Japan.
In 2023, Pistorius declared at the Shangri-La Dialogue, the most important security conference in the Asia-Pacific region, that the Indo-Pacific is one of the key regions for security and prosperity in the 21st century. "We can't ignore this area," he said. Just earlier this year, Germany Foreign Minister Baerbock visited the Philippines to support United States allies.
Since 2021, Germany has deployed troops in the region through the Indo-Pacific. These projects follow the federal government's political guidelines for the region. In the document, the government warns of "open power competitions", internal and cross-border conflicts, and "regional and international terrorist networks". Admiral Axel · Schultz said it was to show the flag on the ground and show that Germany stands with international partners and friends. Germany also wishes to demonstrate its commitment to freedom of maritime routes and respect for international law in the region.
Baerbock Philippines
Want to cross the Taiwan Strait
In the coming weeks, two Germany ships are also expected to sail through the Viet Nam Sea. George · ·May-Britt · Steinbaum of the Marshall Center for European Security Studies expects China's behavior in the region to be an important topic for the Federal Defense Minister's trip: "The most important thing is that we are now seeing an intensification of the confrontation between China and the Philippines. ”
Emphasis will be placed in particular on the further course of the participating Germany ships. It is not yet known whether the ships will pass through the Taiwan Strait. From August 2021 to February 2022, the frigate "Bayern" also performed similar missions. However, the warship did not pass through the Taiwan Strait.
Germany aircraft and ships in the Asia-Pacific region
Pistorius said in May that a timely decision should be made on whether to cross the Taiwan Strait. "This is certainly an option, considering that there are some allies and formations of allies passing through there," Pistorius said. ”
However, the Chinese side has warned against crossing the area. China always respects the right to freedom of navigation, but resolutely opposes any country's provocations and threats to China's sovereignty and security in the name of freedom of navigation. Therefore, I advise Germany not to create trouble for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait in order to curry favor with United States. Some experts warn Germany not to be complacent. The actions of Germany's "traffic light government" are making this European power, which once "stood alone" under Merkel's rule, becoming weaker and weaker.