Can't ignore disrespect for global norms: German envoy

New Delhi, January 22

The presence of a German warship in South China Sea during its ongoing seven-month foray in the region is not targeted against any nation.

“This is not directed against any nation. Between the lines, we cannot turn a blind eye to behaviour which would threaten the respect for international law. That’s why the presence (of German warship Bayern) is documentation that we are in favour of a rules-based international community,” German Ambassador Walter Lindner said here on Saturday.

The German envoy was speaking at a virtual media interaction along with Commander Tilo Kalski, Commanding Officer of the frigate Bayern, which was denied permission to dock in Shanghai despite Berlin’s protestations that its showing up in South China Sea was more symbolic than military.