German President Highlights Europe’s Concern Over Escalating Tensions in the South China Sea

MANILA, Philippines — German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned on Tuesday that Europe is concerned about escalating tensions in the disputed South China Sea, which could jeopardize freedom of navigation, as seen in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a joint appearance with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his state visit to Manila, Steinmeier referenced the Hormuz blockade triggered by the Iran conflict and said European leaders remain worried about ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, especially between the Philippines and China.

Although the United States does not claim any rights in the South China Sea, it has repeatedly warned that it is obligated to defend the Philippines — its oldest Asian treaty ally — should Filipino forces, vessels, or aircraft be attacked.

China has repeatedly cautioned the United States against interfering in the disputes, which also involve Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.

Steinmeier said, through an interpreter, that the situation in the South China Sea remains tense and concerning, given the Indo‑Pacific’s significance as one of the world’s most economically dynamic regions, especially Southeast Asia.

He added that any incidents in that region would be a major concern for Europe, as violations of international maritime law threaten freedom of navigation, as demonstrated by the recent, severe blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which caused global spikes in fuel and fertilizer prices, was discussed during a closed‑door meeting between Steinmeier and Marcos.

Steinmeier refrained from attributing blame to any nation for the South China Sea tensions, though Germany has previously stated that China’s actions in the disputed waters infringe on the rights of coastal states such as the Philippines and jeopardize freedom of navigation.

During a 2024 visit to Manila, then German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressed concern that China’s risky maneuvers — resulting in minor collisions with Philippine vessels — undermine the economic development rights of the Philippines and other littoral states.

Baerbock noted that China’s claims are not recognized under international law and called for a peaceful resolution, during a visit to the Philippine coast guard headquarters where she boarded a patrol vessel and briefly operated a surveillance drone donated by Germany.

On Tuesday, Steinmeier pledged Germany’s ongoing support for the Philippine coast guard, which serves as a frontline defender of Manila’s territorial interests and has been involved in several confrontations with Chinese forces.

Marcos thanked Steinmeier and Germany for consistently and publicly supporting Philippine efforts to uphold the rule of law in the South China Sea, urging all parties to comply with the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award.

The 2016 arbitration ruling, grounded in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea. China did not take part in the Philippines‑initiated arbitration, rejected the ruling, and continues to disregard it.

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