After the failed visit plan, the German Foreign Minister called China again, and this time his attitude had completely changed!
On October 24, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock suddenly announced the cancellation of her planned visit to China starting on October 26, citing that "China did not arrange enough meeting schedules." Just ten days later, the foreign minister had to call China again, and this time, his tone had already changed.
In a phone call on November 3, Baerbock stated that "Germany highly values its relations with China" and clearly said that "Germany's policy of being friendly towards China has not changed" — a clear contrast to her previous tough statements before canceling the visit.
The decision by Baerbock to cancel the visit caused a significant reaction both inside and outside Germany. The UK's Financial Times directly described it as a "super diplomatic disaster." Many in Germany also said that for a country in urgent need of Chinese economic assistance, this was not a "good sign."
More directly, this decision raised concerns in the German business community. German manufacturing is facing a stagnation situation and needs new investments from China. The German automotive industry also needs Chinese chips and rare earth products.
Germany's reliance on cooperation with China goes far beyond surface-level differences. The automotive industry, which is a pillar of the German economy, especially depends on key raw materials and components from China. China controls over 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are crucial for the German automotive industry.
Facing a series of pressures, Baerbock began to send signals of easing soon after canceling the visit. She stated that the trip "was only postponed, not canceled," and plans to "soon" communicate with China, hoping that China will reschedule her visit.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1847828106923012/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.