Last month, the German frigate Bavaria departed Wilhelmshaven for a six-month deployment operation in the Indo-Pacific region. Although German media claimed that the frigate only passed through the South China Sea and would not enter the 12-nautical-mile range of the reef. However, some German lawmakers admitted that the country's action had the implication of provoking China. It is worth mentioning that although they themselves pointed out that there was something wrong with sending warships to the South China Sea for "freedom of navigation", Germany still intended to visit Chinese ports and planned to let the Bavaria dock in Shanghai. However, just a few days ago, German Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria said that China has refused the Request of the German ship to dock in Shanghai.
In response, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said that with the joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries, the situation in the South China Sea has maintained overall stability. However, in recent years, under the banner of freedom of navigation, some countries have sent military aircraft and warships to the South China Sea to provoke incidents and deliberately create contradictions, so we also hope that countries outside the region can respect the efforts of regional countries to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea. This is easy to understand, if the other party does not have good intentions, then do not expect us to have a good face.
In fact, compared with other Western countries, Germany is more ambiguous about Its attitude toward China, on the one hand, they do not want to offend the United States, but on the other hand, they do not want to lose China's huge market. Therefore, in the context of the Sino-US game, Germany always wants to find a balance between the two countries and peaceful coexistence. Germany's idea seems to be correct, but in practice there are many problems.
When Merkel visited the United States before, she told Biden in person that Germany would not follow the United States in opposing China. Despite the loud slogans of Germany, judging from the country's series of moves, they have not performed much worse than other Western countries in taking containment actions. For example, on Hong Kong-related, Xinjiang-related, and Taiwan-related issues, Merkel has not hesitated to take sides with the United States. You must know that the above problems are the core interests of our country and the bottom line that cannot be touched, and Of course Germany knows this, but it is only knowingly committed.
Because in their view, even if they follow the West and make a wrong move, as long as they show that they are forced to do it, they can get the understanding of the Chinese side, including the German practice of sending warships to the South China Sea for free navigation, which also uses similar operations. After Berlin announced the news, it could not wait to announce that it hoped to visit Shanghai on this trip to the South China Sea, in a vain attempt to package it as a friendly trip.
However, we are not so confused. Since September 1 this year, China has officially implemented new maritime regulations, which clearly stipulate that five types of ships, including foreign warships, must be reported in advance before they can sail offshore China. Although the German warship set sail in August, it took a long time to reach the South China Sea, which was enough for the German side to receive relevant news and prepare for work.
However, Germany has chosen to ignore China's regulations and at the same time release all kinds of chaotic news to the outside world, hoping to confuse the public and pass the customs in a confused manner. Under such circumstances, we naturally will not allow German ships to dock in Shanghai, and they will fall in love with where to go. According to the South China Morning Post, the bavaria's new movement has been determined, and its route has been updated after being rejected by China, and it will stop in the northern Australian city of Darwin in the future. It seems that he has been busy going around in a circle, and finally he can only go to the "family" to take it in.
Fortunately, Australia took a timely stand and accepted the ship, otherwise it is not known how long the Bavaria will be at sea. Of course, Australia's move to accept German warships is also inevitable, after all, Berlin is doing things for Washington, as one of the most loyal brothers of the United States, Australia of course must rush to the front and share the pressure for the big brother.
Finally, it should be pointed out that the South China Sea area was very lively during this time, and in late May, the British Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier strike group departed from the port, and it is reported that this fleet includes an aircraft carrier, two Type 23 frigates, two Type 45 destroyers, fuel supply ships, integrated supply ships, nuclear submarines, Dutch Navy frigates, and US Navy destroyers.
Although it is a patchwork procession, the British government is still full of confidence and clamoring to enter the so-called "disputed waters" of the South China Sea. It's just that their action this time is a bit of a tiger,around the face of the momentum, but when they really arrived in the South China Sea, they immediately lowered their profile, ignoring the ridicule of other countries and the opposition of the United States, and sailed away from the South China Sea as fast as possible.
After the departure of the British aircraft carrier fleet, India could not contain its own careful thoughts, and announced on August 2 that it would send four warships into the South China Sea. It's just that the British aircraft carriers have not posed any threat to China, let alone India's so-called naval contingent. After all, India's painstakingly organized fleet, consisting of only three frigates and an old destroyer, was completely vulnerable in the eyes of the PLA.
However, although from the final outcome, Britain, India, and Germany are all humiliating themselves, we also have to be wary of the provocative moves made by these countries to take turns to go to the South China Sea. Although these countries are not dangerous, the more small actions they make, the more restless the United States behind them, and the next time it is not certain that it will make a big move.