[By Guancha Observer, Liu Chenghui] On the afternoon of May 14th local time, German Chancellor Fritz Müller delivered his first major speech in the Bundestag after taking office.

On the China issue, Müller described China as an important partner for Germany and the EU in responding to global challenges and in the economic field, but at the same time hyped up the so-called "strategic de-risking" on China, claiming to reduce Germany's "one-sided dependence" on China.

According to Hong Kong-based English-language media South China Morning Post, Müller said in his approximately 45-minute speech that the relationship between Germany and China is being shaped by "systemic competition and power politics." The report believes that this statement signals a stronger stance against China on geopolitical issues.

On the afternoon of May 14th, Müller delivered a speech in the German Bundestag. Politico News

"We have noticed the increasing systemic competitive elements in China's foreign policy," Müller also expressed deep concern about the strengthening ties between Russia and China, claiming to "firmly push for China's contribution to ending the conflict in Ukraine."

"We will incorporate our China policy into regional strategies. A stable, free, and secure Indo-Pacific region is of great strategic significance to Germany and the EU," he said.

Müller stated that in terms of global challenges, China "will still be an important partner for Germany and the EU," but he would "firmly promote respect for established rules in industrial and trade policies."

"As part of strategic de-risking, we will continue to reduce one-sided dependence," he added, referring to the EU's goal of reducing excessive reliance on Chinese critical goods and products.

"The international order is undergoing profound changes, shaped by systemic competition and power politics. We have realized the need to diversify supply chains and reduce one-sided dependence," he said.

On May 6th, the German Bundestag held a plenary session to elect a new chancellor. In the second round of voting in the afternoon, the Bundestag elected Müller as the Federal Chancellor of Germany with 325 votes in support.

The South China Morning Post believes that Chancellor Müller must lead Europe's largest economy to face major challenges from both the U.S. and China.

In a television speech in February, Müller said that his "absolute priority" was to "quickly strengthen Europe so that we can gradually achieve true independence from the United States."

However, he later softened his tone, assuring U.S. President Trump during their call that "the U.S. remains an indispensable friend and partner for Germany 80 years after the end of World War II."

It was reported that due to divisions within the coalition government led by Scholz, Germany's influence in the EU's China policy has weakened in recent years, allowing the European Commission led by another German conservative, Ursula von der Leyen, to dominate the EU.

But with Trump returning to the White House, the EU's stance on China has softened somewhat. Von der Leyen has repeatedly expressed willingness to "deepen" trade relations between Europe and China this year.

Many expect that the new coalition government led by Chancellor Müller will enable Germany to speak with a more coordinated voice at the negotiating table in the EU.

Noah Barkin, an analyst of Sino-German relations at the Rhodium Group, said that for the new German government, one side is prioritizing growth, competitiveness, and reducing bureaucracy, while the other side is pushing for enhanced security and the so-called "strategic de-risking" goals regarding China.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian once said that China is willing to work with the new Federal Government of Germany to consolidate and develop the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Germany. Germany and the EU have global influence, and China welcomes Germany and the EU playing an important role in global affairs. China supports European integration and the EU's strategic autonomy, and is willing to make joint efforts with Germany and the EU to continue contributing to world peace and prosperity.

Regarding the so-called "de-risking" on China promoted by some officials in the U.S. and Europe, China has repeatedly emphasized that China is an opportunity, not a risk, and treating China as a source of risk is completely misjudged.

Besides China, Chancellor Müller also mentioned Ukraine, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and domestic defense and economic issues in his speech in the Bundestag.

Müller promised to continue supporting Ukraine, while stating that he would "do everything possible to continue achieving maximum unity between Europe and the U.S. on the Ukraine issue." Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he reiterated that "state reason" still applies, meaning Germany supports Israel.

Müller pledged to do everything possible to get Germany's economy back on track for growth. On defense issues, he announced further enhancement of Germany's defense capabilities, making the Bundeswehr the "strongest conventional force in Europe," and the federal government will provide all necessary resources for this purpose.

This speech came before Germany made a historic shift in fiscal policy, including significantly relaxing the constitutionally mandated debt brake restrictions, potentially releasing tens of billions of euros in defense borrowing space.

This article is an exclusive piece by the Guancha Observer and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original link: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7504482989762495011/

Disclaimer: This article represents the views of the author alone. Please use the buttons below to express your attitude by voting or disliking.