War in Ukraine will not distract European allies from Indo-Pacific, German air force chief says

Germany’s air force chief, Lt Gen Ingo Gerhartz: ‘You cannot divide Europe from Asia, and you cannot divide the scenario we have looking to Russia with the scenario here in the Indo-Pacific.’ Photograph: AFP/Getty Images

Germany’s air force chief has said his country is determined to visibly demonstrate its increased focus on the Indo-Pacific region.

Even as Nato countries seek to deter further Russian aggression in Europe, Lt Gen Ingo Gerhartz said countries that stood for freedom and democracy “really have to cooperate in Europe the same as in Asia”.