No reason for Germany to let political expediency hurt relations with China: China Daily editorial

In remarks that seem to contravene the one-China principle that Germany adheres to, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Sunday criticized what he called the "aggressive behavior" of China in the Taiwan Strait.

Speaking to reporters ahead of a trip to Japan and Indonesia, Wadephul wantonly claimed that "China's increasingly aggressive behavior" in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China seas "affects us in Europe", and warned that fundamental principles of "our global coexistence are at stake". He thus called for like-minded allies to counter this purported challenge.

For an official in such an important capacity as his to speak so mindlessly on a question that concerns China's core interests is at best a sign of pathetic ignorance, at worst evidence of an ill intent to enhance Germany's relations with other countries at the cost of the Sino-German relationship.

As a main trading partner of China, with close economic ties, Germany should assess the situation wisely, recognize the broader trends, and not blindly parrot Washington's words.

It is ill-perceived and even egregious to try to describe the necessary, legal and justified measures China has taken, or is compelled to take, to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity as "aggressive".

The top German diplomat is apparently blind to the fact that the secessionist-minded Democratic Progressive Party authorities on the island have in recent years intensified their efforts to incite confrontation across the Taiwan Strait and solicited the support of external forces in a bid to seek "independence" in a more provocative manner.

Also, some regional countries are relying on external forces to muddy the waters in the East and South China seas for their own narrow ends.

Demonstrably, China upholds a foreign policy of peaceful development, and is committed to resolving the territorial disputes with some of its neighbors through dialogue and consultation so as to maintain regional peace and stability. For Wadephul to try to hype up "China threat" in a bid to strengthen Germany's relations with other countries is both politically shortsighted and extremely irresponsible.

As Germany's foreign minister, Wadephul should know better than politicians from some other countries the significance of national reunification for a country, and he certainly knows that the one-China principle is the foundation for the stable and sound development of Sino-German relations.

Thus his ill-judged remarks aimed at exploiting China's internal affairs and its disputes with neighboring countries are a typical example of political expediency. They will unnecessarily have a negative impact on bilateral relations.

In an era marked by geopolitical tensions and economic cooperation, the partnership between China and Germany stands as a crucial pillar of global stability and prosperity.

Yet what Wadephul has said, if it reflects government policy, risks undermining this mutually beneficial relationship.

There is no denying that differences do exist between the two countries. However, there are no security conflicts between China and Germany. It is imperative that the two countries continue to pursue a stable and sound partnership by recognizing their shared interests and the broader significance of their cooperation.

Both nations have articulated a commitment to maintaining a robust partnership. Beijing has repeatedly emphasized the strategic and global significance of China-Germany and China-European Union relations, advocating a relationship based on mutual respect, shared interests and win-win cooperation. While German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed his desire to deepen the Sino-German all-round strategic partnership and his willingness to enhance bilateral cooperation with China.

The differences between China and Germany should not overshadow the immense potential for cooperation. By focusing on mutual interests, expanding economic collaboration and maintaining open lines of communication, China and Germany can contribute to stability in an uncertain world. This partnership is not only in their own interests but also in the interest of a more balanced and harmonious global order.