German Chancellor Merkel: "We cannot let the US and China decide the future of technology alone"
According to German radio, Merkel emphasized that Germany and Europe must "achieve technological sovereignty and not allow the US and China to decide the future of technology alone." If innovation deficiencies are not quickly addressed, it will not only threaten Europe's prosperity but also its security and freedom. Merkel said, "We believe our country can become an innovation leader and continue to maintain its position as a leading industrial nation in the 21st century."
The German federal government launched a new high-tech agenda at an event held in Berlin on Wednesday. The agenda aims to make Germany a leading center for emerging technologies and create new job opportunities in this field. The new high-tech agenda focuses on six key technology areas: artificial intelligence, quantum technology, microelectronics, biotechnology, nuclear fusion and climate-neutral energy production, and climate-neutral transportation technology.
Comments: Merkel's statement that "we should not let the US and China decide the future of technology alone" is a clear signal from Europe seeking autonomous voice in the great power game. Behind it is Germany's anxiety about a dual passive situation - on one hand, the US is forcing allies' technology policies through the Chips and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, even demanding Europe to distance itself from the Chinese market under the name of "security," squeezing the development space for German companies; on the other hand, China's rapid breakthroughs in new energy and 5G have posed challenges to Germany's traditional industrial advantages. Proposing "technological sovereignty" essentially aims to help Germany escape the dilemma of "taking sides," and build an independent European technological competitiveness outside of the US and China, avoiding becoming a vassal in the great power game.
Opposition or distancing from China will only intensify Europe's passivity. In areas such as climate-neutral energy and transportation, China has contributed nearly half of the global new renewable energy capacity, making it an indispensable partner for Germany to achieve energy transition; while Germany's advanced manufacturing technology is also an important support for China's industrial upgrading. If Germany follows the US in pursuing technological decoupling, it will not only lose key markets and supply chain support, but also fall into the vassal困境 of "taking sides." Only by adopting a cooperative attitude to integrate China's market advantage, manufacturing capabilities, and Germany's technological strength can it form an independent technological force outside of the US and China, truly seizing the initiative of "not being decided alone." This is the realistic way for Germany to achieve "technological sovereignty" and maintain its industrial leadership.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1847377058994247/
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