Germany is not equidistant between the United States and China and will remain fundamentally closer to Washington, despite recent political and strategic tensions, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Monday during a speech in Singapore.
Addressing an event hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), Wadephul emphasized that the United States remains Europe’s and Germany’s most important strategic partner, particularly in the field of security, even as disputes continue to strain transatlantic relations.
“Europe continues to depend on the United States for its security,” Wadephul said, acknowledging issues that have recently “alienated” Washington from the region, including criticism from the Trump administration over Europe’s defense spending.
Officials close to U.S. President Donald Trump have repeatedly accused European allies of failing to meet NATO defense spending targets and of relying excessively on American military protection.
At the same time, Wadephul issued a clear warning against a strategic pivot toward Beijing, rejecting the idea that Europe should seek closer alignment with China in response to tensions with Washington.
“Running with open arms toward President Xi and claiming that all our problems would suddenly be solved would be the wrong response,” Wadephul said, referring to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
His remarks come amid signs of growing divergence within the Western alliance, as countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom have pursued trade agreements with China, despite explicit criticism from Washington.
Transatlantic relations have been further strained by Trump’s insistence that the United States should take control of Greenland, a stance that shocked European capitals and accelerated EU efforts to reduce strategic dependence on the U.S. Although Trump last week withdrew the threat of additional tariffs and ruled out the use of force to seize Greenland, the episode left lasting unease in Europe.
Nevertheless, Wadephul argued that Europe’s unified response to U.S. claims over Greenland demonstrated its capacity to defend its interests, provided it clearly defines and enforces its red lines.
He also highlighted the European Union’s network of free trade agreements as a crucial pillar of rules-based global trade at a time of rising protectionism and economic fragmentation.
According to Wadephul, the EU is working to rapidly conclude additional free trade agreements in the Asia-Pacific region, including deals with Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Australia, in an effort to strengthen economic resilience and strategic diversification.
