
Germany aims to strengthen Japan ties amid China concerns
Tokyo
Germany and Japan are significantly expanding their partnership, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Monday, citing shared challenges that include an increasingly assertive China.
'By working together, we can tackle the major challenges facing both our countries,' Wadephul said during a meeting with his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya in Tokyo.
'Freedom, security, and prosperity in Europe and the Indo-Pacific are closely intertwined,' he added.
Wadephul highlighted China's support for Russia's war effort, noting: 'Without it, the attack on Ukraine would not be possible.'
He said Beijing is Russia's largest supplier of dual-use goods, which can be used for both civilian and military purposes, and one of its main oil and gas customers.
The German minister also warned that China threatens to alter the status quo in the South and East China Seas and the Taiwan Strait, saying any escalation could have serious consequences for global security and the world economy.
Wadephul drew a parallel between Germany and Japan on defence spending.
Germany has committed to spending 5% of its economic output on security and defence, while Japan decided in 2022 to double its defence budget, demonstrating early foresight, the German minister said.
The two countries plan to hold further consultations this fall, including cooperation in cyberdefence.
Iwaya emphasized the growing importance of cooperation between Germany and Japan. 'The international order faces significant challenges. Collaboration between Japan and Germany, as G7 members and leading democracies in Asia and Europe, is increasingly important,' he said.

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dpa Tokyo Germany and Japan are significantly expanding their partnership, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Monday, citing shared challenges that include an increasingly assertive China. 'By working together, we can tackle the major challenges facing both our countries,' Wadephul said during a meeting with his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya in Tokyo. 'Freedom, security, and prosperity in Europe and the Indo-Pacific are closely intertwined,' he added. Wadephul highlighted China's support for Russia's war effort, noting: 'Without it, the attack on Ukraine would not be possible.' He said Beijing is Russia's largest supplier of dual-use goods, which can be used for both civilian and military purposes, and one of its main oil and gas customers. The German minister also warned that China threatens to alter the status quo in the South and East China Seas and the Taiwan Strait, saying any escalation could have serious consequences for global security and the world economy. Wadephul drew a parallel between Germany and Japan on defence spending. Germany has committed to spending 5% of its economic output on security and defence, while Japan decided in 2022 to double its defence budget, demonstrating early foresight, the German minister said. The two countries plan to hold further consultations this fall, including cooperation in cyberdefence. Iwaya emphasized the growing importance of cooperation between Germany and Japan. 'The international order faces significant challenges. Collaboration between Japan and Germany, as G7 members and leading democracies in Asia and Europe, is increasingly important,' he said.