Speaking to reporters, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul praised Japan's solidarity with Europe over Ukraine as he prepared to board a plane, and highlighted the importance and economic potential of the two populous Asian countries.

His ministry also published a separate statement from Wadephul in which he expressed concern about China.

"China's increasingly aggressive behaviour in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China Seas also affects us in Europe: fundamental principles of our global co-existence are at stake here," the minister said.

"We are countering this together through our commitment to an international order, which is supported by the strength of the law and binding rules for all."

Tensions have simmered between China and other powers in the Asia-Pacific region over territorial claims.

Earlier this week the Chinese military said it monitored and "drove away" a US destroyer that sailed near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, while the US Navy said its action was in line with international law.

Wadephul's criticism of China comes as Chancellor Friedrich Merz prepares to join  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington that aims to work towards a peace settlement in Ukraine.

China, a major trading partner but also rival of Germany, has stood by Russia since its invasion of Ukraine, causing friction with Western powers over the conflict. Beijing says it is not helping Russia's military and is not a party to the war.

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