China has sharply criticised Germany for what it described as “hyping regional tensions” in the Asia-Pacific, after Berlin raised concerns about Beijing’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.
The rebuke came after senior German officials called for greater European engagement in safeguarding “freedom of navigation” in Asia’s contested waters, echoing concerns voiced by the United States and its regional allies. Germany has also signalled plans to expand naval patrols and security cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners.
A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry on Monday accused Berlin of “interfering in regional affairs” and warned against aligning too closely with Washington’s strategic posture. “The Asia-Pacific is not an arena for geopolitical games,” the spokesperson said. “Certain countries outside the region should stop fanning confrontation and creating divisions.”
Germany, which has strengthened ties with Japan, India, and Australia in recent years, insists that its involvement is aimed at upholding international law and protecting global trade routes. Roughly 20% of Germany’s trade flows through the South China Sea, making stability in the region a core economic interest.
Analysts say the exchange reflects growing unease in Beijing over Europe’s more active Indo-Pacific strategy. “China has long viewed the presence of NATO members in Asia with suspicion,” said a Berlin-based security expert. “What’s new is that Germany is no longer confining its security focus to Europe it is deliberately signalling support for a rules-based order in Asia.”
The spat also comes amid broader strains in Sino-German relations. Berlin has unveiled a new China strategy that emphasises “de-risking” supply chains, particularly in critical sectors such as semiconductors and green technology. At the same time, German companies remain deeply invested in the Chinese market, leaving policymakers to strike a delicate balance between security concerns and economic dependence.
China has repeatedly warned European states against taking sides in regional disputes, insisting that the South China Sea and Taiwan are “internal matters.” Germany, however, has joined calls for Beijing to respect international maritime rulings and refrain from unilateral military escalations.
For now, the war of words underscores how Asia’s security tensions are increasingly shaping Europe’s foreign policy debates and how China is pushing back against what it sees as Western encroachment.