German defense minister Boris Pistorius has revealed a plan to have German troops join a Japan-US regular joint exercise next year for the first time. He cited concern about China’s maritime activity in the Indo-Pacific region.
NHK interviewed Pistorius in Berlin in late July. He said a stable Indo-Pacific is of “great importance” for the world because it involves freedom of navigation and the security of sea routes.
He said careful attention should be paid to China’s attempt to expand its territory in the Indo Pacific. He said “it is not acceptable” that certain areas suddenly become impassable due to sovereignty claims.
China is one of Germany’s major trade partners. Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel promoted relations with the country.
But Pistorius said Germany will reduce the risks that have arisen from its overdependence on China in the past, suggesting that his country will seek to diversify its diplomatic relations.
He described Japan as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific. He said Japan is a stable, democratic country and a major economic power that is strong in innovation. He added that Germany wants to improve and deepen cooperation with Japan in all areas.
Pistorius also said his ministry is considering sending German troops next year to a regular joint exercise conducted by the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force and the US Marine Corps. The exercise is focused on practicing the defense of remote islands.
In July, Germany sent fighter jets to Japan to conduct joint drills with the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force.
A German navy frigate is also planned to make a port call in Japan in August for the first time in three years to participate in a joint exercise with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force.
This will be the first time for the German military to send its air and naval forces to the Indo-Pacific at about the same timing.