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.
China has claimed large swaths of the South China Sea and built military installations on man-made islands in the waters, which include gas deposits and abundant fishing.
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.
This aerial photo taken on January 2, 2017 shows a Chinese navy formation, including the aircraft carrier Liaoning (C), during military drills in the South China Sea.The aircraft carrier is one of the latest steps in the years-long build-up of China’s military, as Beijing seeks greater global power to match its economic might and asserts itself more aggressively in its own backyard./ AFP / STR / China OUT (Photo credit should read STR/AFP via Getty Images)
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 defence 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.
