Johann Wadephul • Table.Briefings

March 13th, 2026

Wadephul restructures his ministry: Federal Foreign Office to become more crisis-proof

The Minister for Foreign Affairs wants to align the office with the new priorities of Europe, geoeconomics, and transatlantic relations.

By Michael Bröcker

News

February 18th, 2026

Defense spending: Wadephul provokes annoyance in France

Germany’s call for France to increase its defense spending is meeting with resistance. Some in Paris feel under attack and point to a need for clearer commitments to supporting Ukraine.

By Gabriel Bub

Bundesaußenminister Johann Wadephul beim Besuch des Tunnelbohr-Unternehmens Herrenknecht in Guangzhou

News | Foreign policy

December 9th, 2025

End of China trip: Wadephul looks ahead to planned Merz visit

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has concluded his trip to China. In Guangzhou in southern China, he expressed his appreciation for China's technical innovation. His trip had enabled him to prepare well for the planned visit by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

By Leonardo Pape

Feature | Diplomacy

December 8th, 2025

Wadephul in Beijing: Positive signals – but central lines of conflict remain

Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul's trip to Beijing brought a new willingness to talk, but still no concrete relief for German industry. While China is once again sending benevolent signals regarding rare earths, the urgently needed export licenses for German companies have not been granted for the time being.

By Amelie Richter

Talk of the Town | Diplomacy

December 7th, 2025

Wadephul: Second attempt to China

After his original trip was postponed, Federal Foreign Minister Wadephul travels to China. The Chinese leadership is stepping up the pressure to assert its position on Taiwan internationally.

By Angela Köckritz

Philipp Frisch, Direktor Human Rights Watch (HRW) Deutschland

Opinion | Human rights

December 4th, 2025

HRW Director: 'Wadephul must take a public stand'

Human Rights Watch is calling on Foreign Minister Wadephul to send a signal of solidarity during his visit to China. Sustainable relations are only possible, the organization says, if human rights are upheld and defended.

By Philipp Frisch

News | Diplomacy

December 2nd, 2025

Diplomacy: Wadephul to travel to China next week

According to insiders, Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is traveling to China next week. The visit serves as preparation for Chancellor Friedrich Merz's upcoming trip next year.

By Amelie Richter

Kaja Kallas und Wolodymyr Selenskyj Mitte Oktober in Kyjiw.

Talk of the Town | Ukraine war

November 21st, 2025

US-Russian peace plan: How Kyiv and Brussels react to the reports

Kaja Kallas commented calmly on the reports about an alleged US-Russian peace plan for Ukraine. This could not work as long as Ukraine and Europe were not involved. The EU would continue to pursue its own plan.

By Viktor Funk, Stephan Israel and Denis Trubetskoy

News | Diplomacy

November 3rd, 2025

Wadephul and Wang talk on the phone: Berlin and Beijing seek to ease tensions

Following Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s postponed visit to China, Berlin and Beijing have held a telephone conversation in an attempt to restart the dialogue. Both sides emphasized the importance of stable relations – but the Taiwan formula remains a delicate issue.

By Amelie Richter

News | Foreign policy

October 27th, 2025

Johann Wadephul: Commitment to India – offer to Beijing

The cancellation of his trip to China was followed by Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s offer of talks with Beijing. At the same time, he has already reached agreements with China’s neighbor India.

By Marcel Grzanna