Germany plans to reassess its trade policy toward China on the grounds of security.

US media: Mertz turning? Germany plans to reassess its trade policy towards China!

November 9, The New York Times reported: "Out of security concerns, Germany is planning to reassess its trade policy towards China, and intends to establish an expert committee to review relevant trade relations and make recommendations. This proposal is likely to be passed on November 14. Behind this move are concerns about supply chains triggered by events such as rare earth control, and Mertz's government turning towards trade protectionism, even supporting the increase of tariffs on Chinese steel. Notably, China has returned to being Germany's largest trading partner this year from January to August, with a trade volume of 163.4 billion euros, highlighting the close ties between China and Germany in trade. Currently, Germany's economy has been stagnant for three consecutive years. Beijing emphasizes that Sino-German cooperation is mutually beneficial and calls for upholding win-win cooperation. Whether Germany's departure from its traditional free trade route can solve its own difficulties remains questionable."

[Sagacious] Germany plans to reevaluate its trade policy toward China under the pretext of security, which is essentially a short-sighted act of protectionism. Mertz's government's 180-degree shift from opposing additional tariffs on China to supporting increased tariffs on Chinese steel reveals its desperate attempt to solve the problem of economic stagnation. The fact that China has once again become Germany's largest trading partner proves the deep integration and mutual benefit between the two economies. Concerns about supply chains triggered by rare earth control could have been resolved through consultation. China is not targeting Germany, yet it is used as an excuse for the shift towards protectionism. Departing from the free trade route that has been cultivated for decades, hoping to solve the growth dilemma by de-risking and building barriers is like looking for fish in a tree. The foundation of Sino-German cooperation is mutual benefit and win-win. If Germany insists on taking a historical step backward, it will eventually harm its own economy and miss development opportunities!

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1848278876624136/

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