FM Wadephul: Germany closer to US than China despite recent tensions

Germany is “not in equidistance” from the United States and China, and will always be closer to Washington despite recent tensions, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on February 2 in Singapore.

Speaking at a lecture hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Wadephul stressed that the United States remains the most important partner for Europe and Germany, noting that Europe continues to rely on Washington for its security, even amid issues that are currently “alienating” the U.S. from the region, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

“Running with open arms to President Xi and saying all our problems vanished in this very moment and we are only heading to become your big partner, this would be the wrong answer,” Wadephul said, referring to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Trump administration officials have repeatedly criticised European nations for failing to meet NATO spending targets and for being overly dependent on the United States for their own defence. Meanwhile, Western countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom have pursued trade deals with China, defying U.S. criticism.

Wadephul also referenced transatlantic tensions over Greenland, saying Europe’s united response to U.S. claims on the territory demonstrates that the continent can successfully defend its interests as long as it defines its red lines clearly.

Trump last week withdrew his threat to impose additional tariffs and ruled out taking Greenland by force.

Turning to economic policy, Wadephul highlighted the European Union’s free trade strategy.

He said the EU’s network of agreements serves as an “important building block for rules-based free trade in times of increased protectionism and fragmentation” and emphasized the bloc’s efforts to “swiftly conclude” deals with countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Australia.'

By Aghakazim Guliyev