Heiko Maas

All news and posts of our editorial team on the topic

Wang Yi: USA to blame for terrorist resurgence
China has blamed the US for the dramatic situation in Afghanistan. The war in Afghanistan has not achieved the goal of removing terrorist forces, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his American counterpart Antony Blinken. On the contrary, according to Wang, the hasty withdrawal of U.S. troops will lead to terrorist organizations returning to Afghanistan. […] continue reading →
Naval vessel in the Indo-Pacific
The German frigate “Bayern” set off on its Indo-Pacific mission from Wilhelmshaven on Monday. German Minister of Defense Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer (CDU) called the voyage a “sign of stability, prosperity and a rules-based, multilateral order,” on Twitter. “It’s good to talk about our values, it’s even better to take action for them.” Shortly after, the warship […] continue reading →
Maas: China is not primarily concerned with lives
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has been unusually harsh in his criticism of the political intentions behind Chinese and Russian vaccine diplomacy. On the sidelines of a US trip to the state of Michigan, where Maas visited a production facility of US pharmaceutical manufacturer Pfizer, the SPD politician said: “We notice that China in particular […] continue reading →
EU Foreign Ministers propose alternatives to BRI
More strategic partnerships, more money, more visibility – on Monday, EU foreign ministers increased pressure on the EU Commission to establish a European alternative for the Belt and Road Initiative. China is not directly named in its outcome of proceedings. However, in the EU statement, titled ‘A Globally Connected Europe,’ ministers stressed that “other major […] continue reading →
EU: Foreign ministers call for alternative to BRI
EU foreign ministers are increasing pressure on the European Commission to create an alternative to the Belt and Road Initiative. At a meeting with the Council of Ministers in Brussels today, diplomats will adopt a so-called conclusion outlining their plan. A senior EU diplomat stressed before the meeting that the EU was getting ready to […] continue reading →
Heiko Maas calls for solidarity with Washington
Shortly before US President Joe Biden’s trip to Europe, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas called for stronger transatlantic cooperation: “Now is the time for close economic and trade policy ties with the US. We should quickly put open disputes behind us for this.” With Biden, it would be possible to “finally take on multilateral responsibility together […] continue reading →
German government does not want to provoke Beijing
The German government rejects turning away from China despite increasing conflicts with the communist leadership in Beijing. “In view of the strong, worldwide interdependence of national economies and the complexity of global challenges such as climate change, peacekeeping and fragile statehood”, the Federal Government considers “containment and disengagement strategies vis-à-vis China as an emerging world […] continue reading →
EU Commission: Sanctions jeopardise Ratification of the CAI
It was already on the brink of collapse: The CAI investment agreement was supposed to symbolize greater proximity between China and Europe, but now it is becoming part of a major conflict between the trading blocs. By rejecting the agreement, Brussels is sending a signal to Beijing – and the German government, as a supporter of the agreement, is embarrassed. Meanwhile, the G7 is finding its way back to a common line in dealing with China. continue reading →