MANILA, Philippines – Germany called yesterday for respect for the rule of law and a peaceful settlement of maritime disputes in East and Southeast Asia.

German Ambassador Thomas Ossowski said his government is closely monitoring developments in the East and South China Seas, where China is locked in disputes with its neighbors including the Philippines.

“We encourage everyone to work on a peaceful settlement and respect the prominence of the rule of law,” Ossowski told The STAR yesterday.  “Germany as a trading nation is very much interested in maintaining the security of sea routes.”

He also called for the continuation of talks for a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China.

Ossowski’s statement was issued just days after the defense ministers of Australia and Britain supported US moves that provide a counterweight to China’s aggressive efforts to stake its claim over nearly the entire South China Sea.

The European Union had earlier issued a statement calling for a peaceful settlement of maritime disputes as China began setting up an oil rig in waters claimed by neighboring Vietnam.

Read more: http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/06/04/1330824/germany-calls-peaceful-settlement-sea-row