German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier says Europe is concerned about rising tensions in the disputed South China Sea and their potential impact on freedom of navigation. He links the issue to the wider importance of open sea lanes used for international trade and commerce, warning that disruptions could mirror past events such as blockades or restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. Steinmeier emphasizes that maritime disputes should be addressed in line with international law and that any violations threaten the principle that ships must be able to travel freely through global waters.
The reports also note that Steinmeier’s concerns are reflected by the Philippine government. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is described as expressing similar views about the risks that heightened South China Sea tensions could pose for trade routes. Overall, the coverage presents Europe’s position as cautionary and focused on legal norms, navigation rights, and the potential economic consequences of any restriction of shipping in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
