The newly appointed German Chancellor is preparing to give the Chinese side a lesson? He is hyping up the so-called "strategic de-risking" on China while affirming economic cooperation with China.

Merkel

On May 14th local time, in his first important speech after taking office, the new German Chancellor claimed that China was a "significant partner", but at the same time hyped up the "strategic de-risking" on China. He even expressed deep concern over the strengthening of relations between Russia and China.

It is not difficult to see that Merkel's remarks on China are full of duality. On one hand, he has to admit the importance of China in global challenges and the economic field. On the other hand, he defines Sino-German relations as being shaped by "systemic competition and power politics".

This contradiction in Merkel's psychology is not hard to understand. China has long been Germany's largest trading partner, and Germany also faces tariff measures from Trump and cannot decouple from China.

However, the Merkel government faces dual pressure from domestic conservatives and the United States. In recent years, the support rate of Germany's far-right party has risen, constantly hyping up the "China threat theory".

Notably, Merkel's "tough stance" encountered a "Waterloo" in his Russia policy.

According to an article in the Berliner Zeitung, Merkel issued an ultimatum to Putin, threatening sanctions if Russia did not stop its military actions in Ukraine.

Putin

However, the article further exposes Merkel's "awkward situation", pointing out that when he tried to show his so-called "toughness" in Russian policy, he failed due to lack of leverage. When the Trump administration refused to coordinate Russian policy, Germany's sanctions threats appeared powerless.

In addition, although Merkel called for "independence from the US" during his campaign, Germany's defense budget still depends on US defense companies. His proud plan for the "most powerful conventional army in Europe" requires the release of tens of billions of euros in borrowing space.

However, China has emphasized early on that China is an opportunity, not a risk. Mistaking China as the source of risk is a complete misjudgment.

As for Merkel's proposed "strategic de-risking" on China, it essentially politicizes supply chain issues. According to data from the European Commission, Germany still heavily relies on importing rare earths from China. If forced to "de-rely", it will lead to soaring costs in industries such as automobiles and electronics.

More ironically, Merkel is shouting "de-risking" while yearning to expand cooperation with China. This "say one thing, do another" approach exposes his greedy nature.

It is worth noting that China has demonstrated strategic composure early on. Spokesperson Lin Jian of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clearly stated that China is willing to consolidate the all-round strategic partnership with Germany. At the same time, he emphasized that "China is an opportunity, not a risk". Mistaking China as the source of risk is a complete misjudgment.

In specific actions, China invites German enterprises to participate in the CIIE, promoting cooperation in areas such as automobiles and chemicals between China and Germany. On the other hand, through negotiations on the China-EU Investment Agreement, it strives for a fair trade environment.

Moreover, the German business community will not buy into Merkel's "tough stance". It is not advisable to destroy economic reality due to political factors. A well-known German economist emphasized that the Chinese market is crucial for German enterprises.

As for Europe to achieve true autonomy, it must abandon the mistaken mindset of "taking sides" and stop playing dangerous balancing acts between the US and China.

Sino-German Relations

In short, for Germany, it is better to face the reality of deep economic interweaving between China and Germany instead of indulging in the illusion of "toughness". Replace so-called political manipulation with pragmatic cooperation.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7504594491135836724/

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