German Minister says China ‘more and more aggressive’

Germany’s Foreign Minister hit out Monday (August 18, 2025) at what he known as China’s repeated threats to “unilaterally change” borders within the Asia-Pacific area, calling Beijing “increasingly aggressive”.

“China repeatedly threatens, more or less openly, to unilaterally change the status quo and shift borders in its favour,” Johann Wadephul mentioned in Japan, citing China’s behaviour within the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China Seas.

“Any escalation in this sensitive hub of international trade would have serious consequences for global security and the world economy,” Mr. Wadephul mentioned after talks with Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya.

An announcement issued on Sunday earlier than Mr. Wadephul’s go to to Japan — and later Indonesia — mentioned that China was “increasingly asserting its regional supremacy and, in doing so, is also questioning principles of international law.”

“China’s increasingly aggressive behaviour in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China Seas also has implications for us in Europe: fundamental principles of our global coexistence are at stake here,” the assertion quoted Mr. Wadephul as saying.

In the joint press assertion in Tokyo, Mr. Wadephul additionally criticised “China’s support for the Russian war machine” in Ukraine.

“Without it, the war of aggression against Ukraine would not be possible. China is Russia’s largest supplier of dual-use goods and Russia’s best oil and gas customer,” Mr. Wadephul mentioned.

He additionally mentioned forward of talks later Monday between US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders that safety ensures for Kyiv have been “crucial”.

Mr. Trump’s summit on Friday with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Alaska “made it clear that for a just and lasting peace, Moscow must finally act. Until that happens, pressure on Russia must be increased, including with increased aid to Ukraine,” Mr. Wadephul mentioned.

The talks on Monday in Washington are about establishing “the elements of a negotiated solution on the path to a just peace for Ukraine,” he mentioned.

“Firm security guarantees are crucial for this. Because Ukraine must be able to defend itself effectively even after a ceasefire and peace agreement.”