A military escalation by China to seize control of Taiwan has been called a “horror scenario for the entire world” by Germany’s foreign minister.
One Chinese envoy has asked Germany to back China’s invasion of Taiwan.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks on Saturday, saying that he “hopes and believes” the European country will back its “peaceful reunification” with Taiwan.
When Chinese Foreign Minister Wang visited German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in China, he revealed that China had previously backed Germany’s reunification.
Wang said that preventing “Taiwan independence” separatist movements was crucial to keeping the Taiwan Strait calm.
The “return to China” of Taiwan, Wang said, was a crucial aspect of the post-World War II international order.
On Friday, Baerbock warned that if China tried to take over Taiwan, it would have devastating effects on Europe.
“A military escalation in the Taiwan Strait, through which… 50% of world trade goes every day, would be a horror scenario for the entire world,” warned Baerbock.
Any military escalation, Baerbock continued, would have “inevitable repercussions” for European interests.
Her statements seem at odds with President Emmanuel Macron’s remarks during his trip to China on Sunday, in which he urged Europe to avoid following the “American rhythm” on Taiwan.
Macron stated in an interview with Les Echo, “We don’t want to get into a bloc versus bloc logic,” adding that Europe “should not be caught up in a disordering of the world and crises that aren’t ours.”
Europeans have been questioned whether or not they support a quickening of the pace of discussion surrounding Taiwan. No. Macron warned that Europeans should resist the temptation to follow the United States and China on the issue. As the saying goes, “Why should we go at a rhythm chosen by someone else?”
The Foreign Ministry of Taiwan issued a statement expressing its full support for the foreign minister of Germany.
“The Foreign Ministry appreciates the support of many heads of state and government from a wide range of countries, including Germany,” the statement adds.