Germany urges Indo-Pacific states to ‘defend’ rule of law
SINGAPORE: German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has stressed his country’s commitment to contributing to the IndoPacific region’s peace and security, during a speech addressing the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Sunday.
“And we are ready to strengthen our engagement in the years to come,” Pistorius said, referring to the importance of solidifying European-Asian ties.
He added that European and Indo-Pacific partners “must de- He thanked Asian countries fend the rules-based internation- who were quick to condemn the al order — no matter where it is invasion for clarifying to Moscow challenged.” that “the global community does
The defence minister’s attend- not accept this illegal war.” ance of the Asia-Pacific security “With dedication, it is opposing meeting comes after he addressed any attempt to undermine the the Munich Security Conference rules-based international order, in February. On Saturday, Pistorius and any attempt to change the made use of his presence in status quo by force — be it in Europe, the meeting to hold talks on the in the Asia-Pacific or elsewhere,” sidelines with Chinese Defense he said.
Minister Li Shangfu. Pistorius said Germany supports
The meeting, which includes multilateral institutions, talks with defence ministers and specifically the Association of other government officials, is South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). considered the region’s most significant He hailed the Asian union security forum. for its ability “to unite countries
Pistorius used his speech to with a high degree of diversity in reiterate his country’s utter condemnation terms of history, ethnicity, religion of Russia’s invasion and governance.” of Ukraine in February 2022. He “We believe in the centrality of described it as “an attack on the ASEAN – with its reach far beyond foundations of international security its geographical composition,” architecture and the foundations Pistorius said. He added of international law.” that Germany fully shares the union’s
The German defense minister “unwavering commitment stressed the danger the invasion to the rules-based international poses “for the world order as a order.” whole.” Pistorius also recalled to Germany’s
“If Russia wins, the message efforts toward establishing to revisionist powers around the a partnership between the world will be that aggression and Asian alliance and the European the unprovoked use of military Union during its 2020 EU Council force are acceptable and can be presidency. — successful,” he said. “Also here in the Indo-Pacific.”
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