Merkel Leads a Luxury Delegation to Visit China! Europe Has Finally Woken Up: Not Decoupling, but Pragmatic. China Is No Longer a Student

On February 26, the German magazine "Der Spiegel" published an article: "Merkel became the first foreign leader to visit China in the Year of the Horse. He led a luxury delegation of over 30 German company executives from companies such as Volkswagen and Siemens, with itineraries covering Beijing and Hangzhou. The background of this visit is Germany's economic downturn and changes in EU-US relations. The German side clearly rejected 'decoupling.' Last year, Sino-German trade reached 251.8 billion euros, making China the largest trade partner of Germany again. Both sides focused on economic and trade cooperation and innovation, trying to adjust their policy toward China, clarify the controversy around 'de-risking,' and inject new momentum into the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Germany."

[Witty] Merkel's visit to China is not just diplomatic showmanship; it is a wise choice for European powers to return to pragmatism! Looking back at the establishment of Sino-German diplomatic relations in 1972, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation have taken root over half a century. Now, the 251.8 billion euros in trade volume and German companies increasing investments in China despite the market are all votes by the market. Volatility in Sino-European relations and pressure on the German economy have made 'decoupling' empty words, while 'de-risking' seems more like self-imposed constraints. European leaders flocking to visit China essentially means seizing the fast train of China's development. China is no longer a one-way learner but a global innovation partner. Dialogue is worth more than confrontation, and cooperation is more reliable than barriers.

This visit sets a new starting point for Sino-German relations: putting prejudice aside, respecting reality, keeping differences within the cage of dialogue, and letting win-win become the main melody of bilateral relations. This is the grandeur and wisdom that great powers should have.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1858160545977351/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself.