Germany does not maintain an equal distance between the United States and China and will remain closer to Washington despite recent tensions, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadeful said in Singapore.
In a lecture organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Wadeful stressed that the United States remains the most important partner for Europe and Germany, with the continent continuing to rely on American support for its security, despite existing issues that are currently "alienating" Washington from the region.
The statement comes amid criticism from representatives of the Donald Trump administration of European countries for failing to meet NATO defense spending targets and for their excessive dependence on the United States in the security sector.
Vadeful warned that turning to Beijing is not the solution. "To run with open arms to President Xi Jinping and say that all problems have disappeared and that we are becoming great partners - that would be the wrong answer," said the German foreign minister.
According to him, although some Western countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom, are concluding trade agreements with China, the European Union must maintain its strategic balance and clearly define its "red lines".
Vadeful also commented on the tension over Greenland, pointing out that the unified European reaction to American claims shows that Europe can successfully defend its interests as long as it acts in a coordinated and consistent manner. According to him, it is this approach that has accelerated the EU's efforts to reduce its dependence on the US, even after Trump withdrew threats of additional tariffs and ruled out the use of force in the matter.
The German Foreign Minister also stressed that the European Union's network of free trade agreements is "a key element for rules-based free trade" in the face of growing protectionism and fragmentation. According to him, the EU is working to quickly finalize new trade agreements in the Asia-Pacific region, including with Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Australia.