German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul began his first trip in office to Japan by praising his host country as Berlin's "premium partner" in Asia, noting that Tokyo and Berlin share a "longstanding, deep and close friendship." 

Wadephul, speaking alongside Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, called democracy and adherence to the rule of law shared values, something he said was important in "a time of crises and conflict."

Wadephul pointed to Ukraine, Gaza and Iran to "highlight that closer cooperation among friends and natural allies is becoming increasingly essential."

The Japanese foreign minister also underscored the importance of a close partnership between the G7 members — both leading economies in Europe and Asia — in the face of threats to the established international order.

Wadephul calls out 'aggressive' China

Wadephul was unambiguous about the source of the threat to democracy and rule of law in the region, railing against repeated Chinese threats to "unilaterally change borders" in the Asia-Pacific.

"China repeatedly threatens, more or less openly, to unilaterally change the status quo and shift borders in its favor," Wadephul said.

The German minister chided China's "increasingly aggressive" behavior in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China seas.

"Any escalation in this sensitive hub of international trade," he said on Monday, "would have serious consequences for global security and the world economy."

The "fundamental principles of our global coexistence," he added, "are at stake here." 

DW's Berlin bureau chief, Rosalia Romaniec is traveling with Wadephul. She said it was no coincidence that the German foreign minister opted for a clear message. 

"I believe that part of the new federal government wants to appear self-confident. Perhaps that's their new stance regarding China," she said.

Wadephul: China enabling Russian war in Ukraine

Lastly, Wadephul criticized "China's support for the Russian war machine" and President Vladimir Putin's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

The German foreign minister cited Beijing's unique role in the conflict, saying: "Without it, the war of aggression against Ukraine would not be possible. China is Russia's largest supplier of dual-use goods and Russia's best oil and gas customer. Russia's war in Ukraine is only made possible by China." 

The question now, says DW's Rosalia Romaniec, is how Beijing will respond.

"Part of Wadephul's statement sounded almost like a threat. And yet Germany and the German economy are largely dependent on China, especially when it comes to rare earths: 90% of the rare earths that Germany imports come from China," she said.

Wadephul is scheduled to deliver a speech at a Japanese peace foundation and meet Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and government economic ministers before continuing on to Indonesia.

Germany 'hyping up tensions,' China says

China later warned Germany against "inciting confrontation and hyping up tensions."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the situation in the East China Sea and the South China Sea "remains generally stable."

"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," she said when asked about Wadephul's comments at a regular news briefing.

She added that,  "the Taiwan question is China's internal affair."

Edited by Sean Sinico