Navigating Geopolitical Dynamics of Sino-German Competition in the Indo-Pacific Region: Prospects and Challenges in the Evolving Global Order

Abstract

The Indo-Pacific is one of the most rapidly developing areas. The world's fastest-growing economies are located in this area between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the world’s most significant free trade zone. Germany is changing its Indo-Pacific foreign policy strategy on regional dynamics with the help of its policy guidelines published in September 2022. Since Beijing’s economic reforms began in the 1970s, Germany has welcomed the Chinese rise worldwide. Germany’s view of China threatened the Liberal world order (LWO) and changed from an opportunity to a risk. Germany has enhanced its collaboration in Indo-Pacific with like-minded nations and engaged in soft balancing against China. As a result, several regional states developed their Indo-Pacific strategies, and this region turned into the center of power struggle. Despite opposition from China, Germany’s published Indo-Pacific guidelines raise questions about its motivations and long-term strategy in the region. Germany's foreign policy strategy and its alliances are greatly impacted by this shift. It is a qualitative study with both descriptive and analytical viewpoints. This study aims to investigate the reasons behind Germany's decision to publish Indo-Pacific guidelines as well as other facets of Germany's Indo-Pacific policy following the guidelines' publication. This study concludes that maintaining peace and stability in the area necessitates a practical evaluation of each state's policies and the creation of those that would be advantageous for the growth and development of the region.