German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock urged Beijing to refrain from using military force against Taiwan, a warning she issued during her visit to the Chinese capital. The message came as she engaged in discussions aimed at clarifying Europe’s stance on a highly tense regional issue, with Reuters providing coverage of the exchanges.
Following talks with his Chinese counterpart Qin Gang, Baerbock emphasized that conflicts should be settled through peaceful means and highlighted Europe’s deep concern over the rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait. He underscored that any drastic unilateral shift in the current status quo would be unacceptable to European leaders, who advocate stability and open dialogue in the region.
In a subsequent briefing, officials noted that a potential military escalation between China and Taiwan would have severe repercussions for the global economy. They stressed that the European Union must not ignore the growing pressure around the island, and should continue to pursue a coherent, united approach in its relations with Beijing while safeguarding its strategic interests and regional security. Reuters.
Earlier reporting indicated that Baerbock’s trip to China was designed to reinforce the European Union’s unified policy toward Beijing, coming shortly after remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron who urged Europe to lessen its dependence on the United States and warned against EU interference in the Taiwan dispute. Reuters