Berlin: Germany is adopting a confrontational approach toward China, signaling a shift in its policy through military maneuvers and diplomatic actions in the Indo-Pacific region. German warships recently sailed through the Taiwan Strait, and a naval visit to the Philippines underscored Berlin’s growing concerns about Beijing’s aggressive stance in the region. This change marks a deterioration in Germany-China relations, with Berlin openly challenging China's hegemony in the Indo-Pacific.

Since Chancellor Olaf Scholz took office, Germany has gradually distanced itself from China, citing concerns over security, defense, and trade. Berlin’s recent decision to send warships through the Taiwan Strait, despite strong objections from Beijing, demonstrates its commitment to defending freedom of navigation and Taiwan’s independence, according to Daniel Kochis, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute's Centre on Europe and Eurasia.

Tensions in the Taiwan Strait
Germany’s decision to send the warships Baden-Württemberg and Frankfurt am Main through the Taiwan Strait angered Beijing, with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning calling the move “provocative” and asserting that the waters are China’s internal waters. Germany firmly rejected the claim. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius defended the decision, stating, “International waters are international waters. It’s the shortest and, given the weather conditions, the safest route. So we are passing through.”

This move is part of Germany’s broader efforts to uphold international maritime law and challenge China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. The warships’ passage through the Taiwan Strait, which Beijing considers a sensitive area, is seen as a clear message that Germany does not recognize China’s claim to the region.

Naval Visit to the Philippines
In a significant diplomatic gesture, German warships visited the Philippines for the first time in 22 years, further highlighting Germany’s concerns about Chinese expansionism. While no naval exercises were conducted, the visit signals Germany’s commitment to protecting the international rules-based order. German Ambassador to the Philippines Andreas Pfaffernoschke expressed concerns over China's aggressive actions, particularly regarding the disputed Spratly Islands. “Such dangerous clashes are not only a threat to security and stability of the region but are putting human lives at risk,” he said.

Confronting China’s Hegemony
Germany’s recent actions mark a notable shift in its stance toward China, with the country now openly challenging Beijing's assertiveness in the South China Sea. Stephen Flanagan, a former senior director for defense policy and strategy at the U.S. National Security Council, noted that Germany’s naval presence in the Taiwan Strait challenges China's "One China" policy and undermines Beijing’s narrative that Taiwan is part of China.

Berlin has made it clear that China holds no special rights in the South China Sea and must abandon its hegemonic claims. In recent years, Germany had avoided confrontations with China, but relations have soured, as demonstrated by recent cyberattacks and trade tensions.

Cyberattacks and Trade Relations
Germany’s strained relationship with China extends beyond military maneuvers. A recent investigation by German authorities revealed that Chinese state actors were involved in a cyberattack on Germany’s Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy. “This serious cyberattack shows the danger posed by Chinese cyberattacks and spying,” said Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, who called on China to halt such activities. Beijing denied the allegations, but Germany summoned the Chinese ambassador to lodge a formal protest.

In addition to security concerns, trade tensions have also escalated. Germany has followed in the footsteps of the U.S. and other European countries by banning 5G components manufactured by Chinese firms Huawei and ZTE, citing fears of espionage and sabotage. Furthermore, three individuals in Germany were recently arrested on charges of spying for China, heightening concerns over Beijing’s maritime expansion.

Shifting Trade Patterns
Germany is also gradually reducing its economic dependence on China. Exports to China have dipped, and the U.S. has now overtaken China as Germany’s largest trading partner. “The fact that the U.S. has become Germany’s largest trading partner indeed illustrates changing trade patterns and the gradual decoupling from China,” said Carsten Brzeski, global head of macro research at ING Research.

Germany has urged its companies to “derisk” their operations in China, reflecting a broader shift in trade policy. German Economy Minister Robert Habeck recently backed an EU investigation into Beijing’s subsidies for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, accusing China of unfair competition. “This is about unfair competition, not about keeping efficient cheap cars out of the European market,” Habeck said, signaling a tougher stance on trade with China.

Conclusion
Germany’s evolving policy toward China reflects a growing willingness to challenge Beijing on issues of security, trade, and international law. From naval actions in the Taiwan Strait to diplomatic measures and trade decisions, Berlin’s actions suggest a significant shift in its relationship with China, with long-term implications for both countries' geopolitical and economic interests.