Reference News Network November 16 report: The German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung website on November 14 published an interview with the CEO of the German technology group Merck, Bernd Langer, who emphasized in the interview that decoupling from China is impossible.

The Süddeutsche Zeitung asked: The situation in Germany today is very different from 15 years ago when you came from Spain.

Bernd Langer answered: We need a strong Germany, especially now. There are two superpowers today, the United States and China, while Europe, sandwiched between them, is extremely vulnerable and ununited - this really makes me very frustrated. Especially because I believe that if Europeans were more united, we would be stronger.

Question: What is the risk of Europe being crushed between the US and China?

Answer: It is already the case today. We are lagging behind, especially in the field of new technologies.

Question: So, has Europe already been crushed?

Answer: Let's say this: we should not overstate the situation in Europe today. The innovation environment in Germany has improved significantly, especially in the pharmaceutical and high-tech sectors we are involved in. However, we do lag behind other countries in the development of artificial intelligence.

Question: Merck has a strong market position in both the US and China.

Answer: We must carefully diversify our risks across the continents. In recent years, we have made significant progress in this regard. In China, we mainly serve the Chinese market, but we are increasingly promoting the innovative products developed there to the global market.

Question: So it's better not to decouple from China?

Answer: The idea of decoupling may sound good, but I have never believed it would work. Decoupling from China is impossible. Today, there is no global trade without China's participation. Our sales in China also secure the future of our businesses in Europe and the United States.

Question: Which side is exerting more pressure at the moment - the US or China?

Answer: Both countries are competing today, especially in the technology sector, so we need to have a strong market presence in both the US and China. (Translated by Wang Qing)

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7573209467325301254/

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