German Media: Germany Should Not Be a Roadblock to the EU’s China Strategy

Commenting in *Handelsblatt*, it is stated that the greatest risk for the EU, facing China as a formidable rival, is not lacking negotiation leverage, but rather member states acting independently—making them vulnerable to being outmaneuvered one by one by Beijing.

*Handelsblatt* further observes that German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche's premature meeting with China’s Commerce Minister before formal EU-China negotiations even began not only disrupted the upcoming talks but also sent a signal of disunity within the EU to Beijing. In an article titled “Germany Should Not Seek Special Treatment on China Strategy,” the publication writes:

"After the EU began imposing anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, Beijing clearly realized that Europe was serious. Currently, multiple investigations are still underway within the EU. The bloc aims to leverage this mounting pressure to ultimately force concessions from China during negotiations. After all, no single EU member state runs a trade surplus with China, and the EU’s overall trade deficit with China reaches a staggering €36 billion annually. Many member states—including Italy, the Netherlands, and France—are urging the EU to prepare stronger policy tools to convincingly compel China to negotiate."

Berlin had initially been willing to respond to these calls, but under Reiche’s leadership, Germany’s Ministry of Economics opposed such measures, citing concerns about provoking China. However, how can the EU expect Beijing to make concessions if it appears hesitant and divided before negotiations even begin?

Perhaps in an effort to reassure Beijing—to signal that Germany is the weak link through which the EU’s defenses might be breached—Reiche traveled to Brussels just prior to the start of EU-China talks, preempting EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic by holding a meeting with China’s Commerce Minister."

*Handelsblatt* questions what message this move by Germany’s economy minister was intended to send. Does she believe she possesses greater negotiating authority or experience than the EU’s trade experts?

"Legally speaking, the situation is crystal clear: Member states have already delegated their authority over trade policy to Brussels. Only the EU’s Trade Commissioner is authorized to represent the Union in negotiations—not Germany’s Economy Minister."

Of course, Germany has every right to safeguard its own interests—an indisputable fact. But when the German Chancellor attends meetings of the European Council, isn’t that precisely to protect German interests? Didn’t Merkel jointly shape the EU’s unified China policy alongside other member states at the Council? Now, with the Economy Minister issuing conflicting signals, one must wonder: does Chancellor Merkel still hold any say in China policy? Are all member states expected to send individual envoys to meet Chinese ministers before EU-China talks? If so, then China wouldn’t be negotiating with the EU—it would be negotiating separately with 27 European countries, each pursuing its own agenda."

Original Article: toutiao.com/article/1869623148884992/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.