German Diplomacy at a Time of Japan-China Tensions |
The rupture in Japan-China relations in the wake of Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s remark that if China were to employ military force against Taiwan, it may have a serious impact on Japanese security, has not been without consequence for Germany. Berlin has enjoyed good ties with Beijing for many years thanks to close economic links, but the relationship has become increasingly tense in recent years. Meanwhile, Germany has been forging closer links with Japan, in security among other areas, a development that has also likely irritated China.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul made reference to Taiwan in the context of Chinese military expansion and the stability of surrounding waters when he visited Japan for the Japan-Germany Foreign Ministerial Strategic Dialogue in August 2025, and then again as part of his remarks on the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Japanese-German Center Berlin in October. He even went as far as to call Japan a “premium partner.”
The mention of Taiwan drew a rebuke from Beijing. A visit to China that Wadephul had scheduled for the end of October was canceled after nearly all meetings become difficult to plan. Subsequently, German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil was able to become the first member of the new German government to travel to China, while plans are........