German media: German Foreign Minister: The US remains Germany and Europe's most important partner

German Foreign Minister Baerbock, during her visit to Singapore, stated that Germany's relations with China and the United States are not "equidistant." She warned that a strategic shift towards Beijing should not be made due to differences with the United States.

German Foreign Minister Baerbock stated that despite the tensions, Germany remains firmly on the side of the United States. The CDU politician said on Monday, February 2nd, in Singapore that Germany's relations with the United States and China are not "equidistant." Washington remains Europe and Germany's most important partner. She also stated that Europe continues to rely on the United States for security, although some issues have caused distance between the U.S. government and Europe at present.

Baerbock also warned that a strategic shift towards Beijing should not be made because of differences with the United States. "Opening our arms and rushing towards China, saying all our problems have disappeared now, and we will become one of your major partners, would be the wrong answer," Baerbock said.

Baerbock stated that the EU is expanding its network of free trade agreements in the Asia-Pacific region. She cited plans to reach agreements with Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Australia, strengthening rule-based trade in the context of rising protectionism.

Baerbock also stated that the unified response from Europe on the Greenland issue shows that Europe can defend its interests as long as clear red lines are set.

Visit to five countries including Singapore

Baerbock is visiting Singapore, which is the first stop of her Asia-Pacific tour.

The EU and Singapore have implemented a free trade agreement since 2019. Singapore has free trade agreements with many countries, including China and the United States. This city-state maintains good relations with both Beijing and Washington.

Singapore's Foreign Minister, V. K. S. Balakrishnan, who met with Baerbock, also raised the possibility of the EU and ASEAN developing a future free trade agreement. ASEAN consists of 11 Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia and Thailand, apart from Singapore.

There are about 10,000 EU companies operating in Singapore, including more than 2,000 German companies. Germany and Singapore adopted an action plan in 2024 to strengthen future technology cooperation. On Monday afternoon, Baerbock was scheduled to visit an advanced research center of the German technology company Schaeffler in Singapore.

After visiting Singapore, Baerbock will go to New Zealand, Tonga, Australia, and Brunei. She is committed to strengthening relations with ASEAN and the Pacific Islands Forum. The foreign minister will also seek support for Germany's bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the term 2027-2028.

Source: DW, Reuters, DPA

Original: toutiao.com/article/1856051472436425/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself.