Because of critical statements by Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens), China has summoned the German ambassador in Beijing, Patricia Flor. Flor wrote on Twitter on Tuesday after the talks at the Chinese Foreign Ministry: “Frank discussion today. In my meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Deng Li I emphasized that Germany stands by the one-China policy.”
“The threat of military force is unacceptable under all circumstances, as emphasized by Foreign Minister Baerbock,” Flor continued in her tweet.
China responded with the summons to Baerbock’s comments that China on Monday warned of an escalation of tensions with Taiwan and backed Taiwan.
“We do not accept when international law is broken and a larger neighbor attacks its smaller neighbor in violation of international law – and that of course also applies to China,” said Baerbock before attending a UN conference on nuclear weapons in New York.
In another speech dealing with the transatlantic relationship, Baerbock echoed the concerns previously expressed. “In the past few months since February 24, we have painfully learned that aggressive rhetoric can quickly turn into dangerous action,” said Baerbock on Tuesday at the New School in New York. China’s comments on Taiwan raise “serious questions”.
