German Defense Minister "Will Dispatch Warships to Indo-Pacific Region Next Year"

"Expanding Local Influence Including Participation in Naval Training"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Germany's Minister of Defense, expressed her intention to dispatch German naval vessels to the Indo-Pacific region next year to expand Germany's influence in Asia.

In a written interview with the Yomiuri Shimbun on the 31st, Minister Kramp-Karrenbauer stated, "Instability in the Indo-Pacific region affects Europe." She emphasized that the security of the two regions is inseparable, saying, "As a reliable partner country, I want to fulfill our responsibility to support appropriate laws, territorial integrity, freedom of navigation, and actively contribute to the international order."

Minister Kramp-Karrenbauer also said, "I want to strengthen influence in the Indo-Pacific region together with like-minded partner countries and set an example of friendly cooperation." She expressed her desire to dispatch warships to the Indo-Pacific, participate in naval exercises, and engage in military cooperation with friendly countries, including having German military officers aboard other countries' vessels.

Regarding Germany's reason for expanding military involvement in the region, she explained, "As a global trading power and a country that leads a rules-based multilateral order, Germany has significant interests in the safety, stability, and prosperity of this region." The Yomiuri interpreted this as concern over the economic importance of the Asian region becoming unstable due to the rise of China.

Minister Kramp-Karrenbauer emphasized, "China has great ambitions in diplomacy, security, and economic policy. That is legitimate. However, it must not come at the expense of other countries."

The Yomiuri, citing local reports, stated that Germany had planned to dispatch vessels to the Indian Ocean this year to conduct military exercises but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also reported that next year, Germany is considering having German naval officers aboard Australian naval vessels, among other plans.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.