 After arriving on the East Asia station, she temporarily served as the flagship of Vice Admiral Felix von Bendemann, the commander of the East Asia Squadron, which included the cruisers , , , and "Kaiserin Augusta".After the new armored cruiser reached the Asia station, she relieved "Hertha" as the Squadron flagship.As part of the East Asia Squadron during the Boxer Rebellion, the ship made a noteworthy contribution in the Battle of the Taku Forts.