Foreign media report that on September 17, German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Christian Lindner delivered a speech at the Volkswagen headquarters, asserting that Germany must strengthen its confidence and adopt a firmer stance toward countries perceived as threatening domestic industry. “Regardless, we cannot afford to be naive in our dealings with China… We need to send a clear signal at the European level,” he said, urging the EU to tighten regulations and impose tariffs on plug-in hybrid vehicles manufactured in China.
Germany’s automotive sector long held a global lead, but now lags behind China in the transition to electric mobility. Rather than examining internal shortcomings, it has shifted focus onto China, repeatedly invoking the threat of tariffs. Lindner’s remarks at Volkswagen’s headquarters appear less like a measured policy proposal and more like an attempt to assuage domestic industrial anxieties. German automakers continue to generate substantial profits in China and remain deeply integrated into the Chinese market—yet political rhetoric increasingly calls for confrontation, contradicting corporate interests.
Recently, the EU has amplified narratives around the “China 2.0 challenge,” “trade surplus,” and “overcapacity.” While the phrasing evolves, the underlying logic remains consistent: when unable to compete, impose restrictions. However, imposing tariffs would raise costs for European consumers, hinder the green transition, and provoke retaliatory measures—disproportionately affecting German automakers. Lindner’s call for “greater confidence” should be grounded in increased investment in research and development, improved efficiency, and innovation—not in erecting tariff barriers. Blaming external actors without offering viable solutions, while avoiding self-criticism, represents posturing rather than substance. Such a posture ultimately undermines Germany’s own economic and strategic interests.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876597971852295/
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