On May 7, the German Navy began its second Indo-Pacific deployment with two ships, the frigate Baden-Württemberg and the combat supply ship Frankfurt am Main, embarking on a world tour.
This deployment signifies Germany’s increased engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, demonstrating its commitments to regional partners like India, Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan, while also maintaining positive relations with important trading partner China, presenting a delicate balancing act for the country.
Recent years have seen escalating tensions in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in terms of competing territorial claims among countries like China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia, particularly in the South China Sea, posing a threat to peace and stability.
In 2021, the German Navy conducted its inaugural Indo-Pacific deployment with the frigate Bayern visiting ports in Pakistan, Australia, Guam, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and India, marking the first such trip in nearly two decades.
However, Germany’s defense engagement in the region has its limits, as demonstrated during the tour which balanced diplomatic signals of increased engagement with local partners while avoiding direct confrontation with China.
The Bayern’s request to visit Shanghai was seen as a gesture to avoid antagonizing China, although it led to some backlash from observers in Japan and Australia. The frigate also navigated the South China Sea cautiously, adhering to international law regarding innocent passage through territorial waters.
Despite the geographic distance, the Indo-Pacific region holds significant economic importance for Germany, being a key trade hub and home to major ports like those in the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca. Maintaining positive relations with China is crucial due to their status as Germany’s main trading partner.
Given its economic interests in the region, Germany is focused on ensuring a stable Indo-Pacific with freedom of navigation, as outlined in its policy guidelines and National Security Strategy, released in 2020 and 2023, respectively.
While Germany also seeks to deepen relations with Indo-Pacific countries, its stance towards China has grown firmer, acknowledging China’s evolving challenges to German interests. The importance of maintaining economic ties with China while strengthening relationships with other regional partners is emphasized.
Germany’s second Indo-Pacific deployment aims to reinforce its commitment to the region, participating in military exercises like RIMPAC 2024 and Pacific Skies 24, with planned ports of call in Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and India.
By continuing its presence in the Indo-Pacific, Germany seeks to bolster diplomatic and economic ties with regional partners, supporting stability in the region amidst global challenges and economic dependencies.
While navigating potential provocations and political considerations, Germany’s journey through the Indo-Pacific will uphold its delicate balancing act, avoiding direct challenges to territorial claims and prioritizing constructive engagement with all regional stakeholders.
Through this deployment, Germany remains committed to its Indo-Pacific strategy and the challenging diplomatic dance it entails.