Foreign Minister Baerbock finds clear words about China's threatening gestures against Taiwan, which annoy Beijing. The German ambassador is summoned and then speaks of a "frank discussion" with the deputy foreign minister.
Because of critical statements by Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, China has summoned the German ambassador in Beijing, Patricia Flor. After the conversation at the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Flor wrote on Twitter: "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 Secretary of State Baerbock," Flor said 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," Baerbock said 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 the day before at the New School in New York. China's comments on Taiwan raise "serious questions".
The split between China and Taiwan is rooted in the civil war that lasted until 1949. Since then, the government in Beijing has viewed Taiwan as a breakaway province and part of its territory that would one day be reclaimed. Part of the so-called One China policy is to recognize Beijing as the sole representative of China.
