German Chancellor Accuses China of Preparing to Blackmail Us

On September 8 local time, German Chancellor Merkel made a statement at an event in Berlin, vowing to reduce dependence on China for key materials and claiming that China is ready to "exploit" Germany's weaknesses - trade loopholes.

Merkel continued: "For our China policy, this means we seek cooperation as much as possible - on climate policy issues, global crises, and many other challenges. However, we also recognize that systemic competition is intensifying. Therefore, in order to ensure our security and competitiveness, and for the interests of strategic sovereignty, it is necessary to prioritize diversifying our raw materials and trade supply chains."

He stated that the EU plans to sign more trade agreements with other economies. "We need more, closer partnerships, especially with India, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, as well as countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia outside of the G20."

At the same event, Merkel also issued a warning about transatlantic alliance relations. He pointed out that the U.S.-Europe relationship is no longer what it used to be, and Europe must be prepared to set its own course independent of the United States.

"We must face the fact that our relationship with the United States is changing," Merkel said. "The United States is re-evaluating its interests. Therefore, we Europeans must also adjust our interests, without false nostalgia."

Merkel said, "The United States remains our most important partner, and we are ready for close coordination and cooperation. But it is becoming increasingly clear that this partnership will not be so self-evident. It will be more issue- and interest-oriented."

He further stated that future relations with the United States will depend on "the strength of us Europeans," and added that in order to develop this strength, Europe needs to seek new alliances around the world. He emphasized, "We must be more proactive than ever before in establishing new partnerships around the world and expanding and strengthening existing partnerships."

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1842751062463488/

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