(Adnkronos) – “Borders must never be changed by force. Neither in Europe, nor in the Indo-Pacific, nor anywhere else in the world.” This is how the German Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, denounced the aggressive actions of China and North Korea, accusing them of threatening international stability, during his visit to the 7th American Fleet and a Japanese naval base in Yokosuka, south of Tokyo.
Speaking to reporters, Wadephul stressed the importance of strong partnerships to maintain peace, security and stability: “The base is strategically important for preserving stability in the Indo-Pacific and, together with our close G7 partners, Japan and the United States, we share concerns about the growing tensions in the region.” The minister then highlighted that “China’s military buildup and its push to become a world technological leader through big data and artificial intelligence represent a challenge in the region,” urging Beijing not to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and recalling that “the prohibition of the use of force provided for by the United Nations Charter applies in the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea and the East China Sea.”
Wadephul also harshly criticized North Korea: “Pyongyang’s rhetoric and maneuvers are increasing tensions. North Korea continues to expand its nuclear arsenal, conduct ballistic missile tests in violation of international law, and support Russia’s war in Ukraine with military personnel, undermining peace in both the Indo-Pacific and Europe.” At the Yokosuka base, he was updated on the work of the multinational coordination group that monitors UN sanctions against North Korea, explaining that “the group’s work makes it more difficult and more expensive for anyone trying to circumvent sanctions.”
