During a trip to Japan on Monday, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also criticised China for its "support for the Russian war machine" amid Moscow's ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine, now well into its fourth year.
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German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul criticised Beijing for its "increasingly aggressive behaviour in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China Seas" and support of Russia in its all-out war in Ukraine.
Wadephul issued the statement on Sunday ahead of his official visit to Japan, adding that China was "increasingly asserting its regional supremacy and, in doing so, is also questioning principles of international law."
Following talks with his Japanese counterpart, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, Wadephul added on Monday that "any escalation in this sensitive hub of international trade would have serious consequences for global security and the world economy."
Wadephul also criticised China's "support for the Russian war machine" amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
"China is Russia's largest supplier of dual-use goods and Russia's best oil and gas customer," he said. "Russia's war in Ukraine is only made possible by China."
His words prompted a sharp response from Beijing, accusing Germany of "inciting confrontation and hyping up tensions."
"We urge the relevant parties to respect regional countries, resolve issues through dialogue and consultation, and safeguard the common interest of peace and stability, instead of inciting confrontation and hyping up tensions," China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a news conference.
Tensions have recently risen between China and other powers in the Asia-Pacific region over territorial claims.
Beijing has also been at odds with Western powers over its continued support for Russia amid its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. China insists it is neither aiding Russia’s military nor directly involved in the war.
Wadephul's words come as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to join other European leaders in Washington later on Monday for talks with US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on ending Russia's war in Ukraine.