Germany wants to show more presence in the Indo-Pacific, also because of China's robust presence. An expert classifies the plans of Defense Minister Pistorius.
Germany feels "obliged to contribute to peace and security" in the region, Pistorius says. One-third of the world's traded goods pass through the South China Sea, which China claims as its own territory. The strait separates the People's Republic of China from the democratically governed island state of Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory.