Latest news with #JohannDavidWadephul
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Map Shows China Surrounded by Conflicts
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Clashes at the Thai-Cambodian border late last month marked the second conflict to erupt on China's doorstep this year, following the brief air war between ally Pakistan and India over contested Kashmir. On its periphery are two longer-running conflicts involving China's strategic partners—the civil war in Myanmar and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. As the Indo-Pacific's largest military and political power, China has a stake in regional security matters, particularly when fighting breaks out near its borders. Below, Newsweek briefly outlines each recent or ongoing conflict and Beijing's position on it. Myanmar Civil War Armed resistance groups have battled Myanmar's military since it seized power in a February 2021 coup. The junta has killed more than 7,000 civilians, according to estimates by the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. China shares a border with Myanmar, and the ongoing war has disrupted Beijing's significant business interests there. While the junta controls little more than 20 percent of the country's territory, it benefits from continued Chinese military support, including armored vehicles, artillery and fighter jets. "China and Myanmar are friendly neighbors," Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said in April. "We follow the principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs, support Myanmar in safeguarding independence, sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity, support various parties in Myanmar in carrying out friendly consultation toward political reconciliation, and support Myanmar in resuming the political transition process." Russia-Ukraine Russia's February 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine is the next longest-running conflict involving a Chinese neighbor. The bulk of the fighting has taken place in Ukraine, and between August 2024 and mid-2025, Russia's Kursk region. However, Ukrainian military intelligence have claimed responsibility for a May 30 attack on a military base in Russia's Far East city of Vladivostok—about 50 miles from the Chinese border. Though Beijing frames itself as neutral, the United States and European Union have accused China of enabling Russia by allowing Chinese companies to supply its quasi-ally with civilian-military dual-use goods, including unmanned aerial vehicles, and by continuing to purchase Russian oil and gas, helping Moscow's wartime economy withstand heavy international sanctions. In a news conference with German Foreign Minister Johann David Wadephul last month, China's top diplomat Wang Yi said, per a Chinese Foreign Ministry readout, "China's position has been open and consistent, which includes promoting peace talks, not providing lethal weapons to parties in the conflict, and strictly controlling the export of dual-use articles, including drones." Thailand-Cambodia A fragile truce reached on July 28 between Thailand and Cambodia ended five days of hostilities that left 35 people dead and more than 100 injured, following a flare-up in the neighbors' long-standing border tensions. Cambodia has one of the most pro-China governments in the Asia-Pacific, though Beijing maintains close ties with both countries and has urged restraint. "China upholds a just and fair position, supports Cambodia and Thailand in enhancing communication and resolving differences properly, supports advancing political settlement through the ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] Way, and is ready to continue playing a constructive role for the peaceful settlement of the border disputes between Cambodia and Thailand," a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday. India-Pakistan According to reports, China played a role during and after the four-day aerial clashes between its strategic ally Pakistan and India in the disputed Kashmir region in early May. India's defense minister accused Beijing of "providing all possible support" to Islamabad, noting that 81 percent of the military hardware Pakistan had acquired since 2020 came from China. French intelligence have alleged that Chinese officials sought to hype weapons systems—such as the Chengdu J-10 fighter jet—by contrasting its performance with that of French-made Rafale jets during May's aerial dogfights in a bid to present Chinese aircraft as superior. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning described India and Pakistan as "important neighbors" of China. She told reporters last month, "Over the past weeks and months, China has closely followed the developments between India and Pakistan, actively promoted talks for peace, and worked to maintain regional peace and stability."
Ya Biladi
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Morocco and Germany reaffirm strategic ties in first call between Bourita and new German FM
On Monday, July 7, Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita held a phone call with his newly appointed German counterpart, Johann David Wadephul, who took office on May 6. «This first exchange underscored the excellent relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Federal Republic of Germany, while reaffirming both countries' commitment to sustaining the positive momentum of their bilateral cooperation», Morocco's Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The two ministers expressed their shared determination to further strengthen ties and guide them toward a future-oriented strategic partnership. In this context, they confirmed their intention to continue the Strategic Dialogue initiated by the 2022 Joint Declaration of Rabat. The next session of this high-level dialogue will be held in Rabat. Bourita and Wadephul also stressed the importance of deepening consultation and coordination on regional and international issues of common interest, particularly those of strategic priority to both nations. As a reminder, in the Joint Declaration of August 25, 2022, referenced in the July 7 statement, Berlin reaffirmed its longstanding position on the Western Sahara issue. In paragraph 15, then-Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock reiterated Germany's support for the United Nations-led process aimed at reaching a «realistic, pragmatic, sustainable, and mutually acceptable political solution». Both sides affirmed the UN's exclusive role in this process and reiterated their backing for UN Security Council Resolution 2602, which emphasizes the responsibility of the parties in seeking a compromise-based resolution. Germany also considers Morocco's 2007 autonomy plan a «serious and credible» effort and a «good basis for a solution accepted by both parties». Morocco and Germany welcomed the appointment of the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, and reiterated their active support for his efforts to move the political process forward in line with relevant Security Council resolutions. Both countries also reaffirmed their support for MINURSO.
Jordan News
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Jordan News
Germany: We Support the Hashemite Custodianship of the Holy Sites in Jerusalem and Continue Pursuing a Two-State Solution
Germany: We Support the Hashemite Custodianship of the Holy Sites in Jerusalem and Continue Pursuing a Two-State Solution On Wednesday, German Foreign Minister Johann David Wadephul emphasized that it is unacceptable for people to die while trying to obtain humanitarian aid for themselves and their families in the Gaza Strip. اضافة اعلان During a joint press conference in Berlin with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi, he highlighted the necessity of not turning a blind eye to the catastrophic situation in Gaza and the unbearable humanitarian conditions. The German minister praised Jordan's significant efforts to support the humanitarian situation in Gaza. He stressed that a relief system is ready to operate in Gaza and that humanitarian workers must be allowed to carry out their work. Regarding Israeli attacks on Iran, Wadephul stated that Israel's decision to confront the nuclear weapons threat is 'understandable' to him, adding that the Iranian regime must not possess nuclear weapons. 'I condemn the Iranian bombing of Israeli cities and the falling of missiles on them; we are also shocked by the killing of civilians in Tehran,' said the German minister. He added that neighboring countries suffer from Iranian influence through militias supported by the Iranian regime. The minister also spoke about ongoing European contacts—led by Germany, France, and the United Kingdom—with the Iranian foreign minister, during which a clear proposal was presented for a negotiated solution regarding Iran's nuclear program. The German minister explained that the European proposal requires confidence-building measures and clarification from the Iranian leadership that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons. He confirmed his country's support for the Hashemite custodianship of the holy sites in Jerusalem, stressing that it is in Jordan's interest to stabilize the situation in the occupied West Bank. He underscored that the German government's position is clear: Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem constitute the cornerstone of the Palestinian state. Finally, he affirmed that Germany continues to pursue the two-state solution.
Ammon
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Ammon
FM begins official visit to Berlin for bilateral talks
Ammon News - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs Ayman Safadi has commenced an official visit to Berlin, where he is scheduled to hold talks with German Foreign Minister Dr. Johann David Wadephul. The visit will focus on strengthening bilateral relations between Jordan and Germany, and will include discussions on key developments in the Middle East.
Observer
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Oman, Germany discuss closer ties amid regional tensions
MUSCAT: Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, received here on Sunday Dr Johann David Wadephul, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany to discuss strengthening bilateral ties. The two sides explored opportunities to expand economic cooperation, with a particular focus on renewable energy initiatives. On the political front, the two sides exchanged views on the serious tensions currently gripping the region due to Israel's military aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The ministers also discussed developments in ceasefire negotiations for the Gaza Strip, updates on the Yemeni crisis, and ways to contain conflicts and crises through dialogue and peaceful means. Both sides emphasised that security and stability cannot be achieved through violence or the imposition of military solutions, stressing that the only path to just and lasting peace lies in political negotiations, diplomatic channels, adherence to justice and international law, and respect for state sovereignty. The meeting was attended by Munthir bin Mahfoudh al Mantheri, Head of the Europe Department at the Foreign Ministry and Dirk Lölke, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Sultanate of Oman. — ONA
