German warships in the Philippines: a sign of things to come?

Germany stepping up its regional naval presence showcases its commitment to upholding international law, Berlin’s envoy says

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The German Navy support ship Frankfurt Am Main prepares to dock in Manila on Monday. Photo: AFP

Published: 3:31pm, 17 Sep 2024Updated: 3:41pm, 17 Sep 2024

Two German warships are visiting the Philippines for the first time in more than 20 years after making a notable transit through the Taiwan Strait.

Germany said the port call is a reaffirmation of its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region and the rules-based international order – rhetoric commonly used by the United States – as well as a testament to its defence cooperation with the Philippines.

The vessels, the first-in-class frigate Baden-Württemberg and the Berlin-class supply ship Frankfurt am Main, arrived in Manila on Monday and will remain in port until Thursday.

German sailors on board the Baden-Wurttemberg check a machine gun during a port call in Manila on Monday. Photo: AFP

Their visit is set against the backdrop of flaring tensions between China and the Philippines due to disputes in the South China Sea.

Andreas Pfaffernoschke, the German ambassador to the Philippines, said the visit speaks to the ongoing cooperation between the two nations and “underscores how politically significant the Indo-Pacific region has become for Germany”.

In an opinion piece for The Philippine Star, Pfaffernoschke noted that Germany’s visit also showcases its commitment to upholding international law and freedom of navigation, coming at a time “when the international rules-based order in the South China Sea is constantly being challenged”.

Pfaffernoschke said that recent incidents between China and the Philippines have raised concerns about security and stability in the area.

Uniformed sailors are seen aboard the Frankfurt Am Main as it prepares to dock in Manila. Photo: AFP