VTC of Kramp-Karrenbauer and Chinese Minister of National Defence Wei Fenghe

Today, Minister of Defence Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and her Chinese counterpart, Minister of National Defence Wei Fenghe, held a video conference on the situation in the Indo - Pacific and on further matters of mutual interest.

In reference to China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea, Minister Kramp-Karrenbauer once again underlined Germany’s legal position. Germany considers the UNCLOS arbitral tribunal award of July 2016 to be binding.

The ministers also exchanged views on the Policy Guidelines for the Indo-Pacific issued by the Federal Government last September, and on the planned deployment of the frigate BAYERN in this context.

The German Minister stressed the inclusive character of the Guidelines, but also expressed her expectation that the rules-based international order be maintained, highlighting China’s responsibility.

Human rights matters and the situation of the Uighurs in China were critically addressed. The bilateral talk thus offered the opportunity to emphasise German positions as well as to underline the importance of dialogue between both countries in order to tackle global challenges.