On November 22, the Hong Kong "Guardian" published an article: "German Finance Minister Christian Lindner concluded his visit to China. The first high-level visit by the new Mertz government yielded little, with only a commitment from China on the stable supply of raw materials such as rare earths. The German side admitted it lacks enforceable means and can only remind China that Germany is in economic decline, having shrunk for two consecutive years and remaining stagnant this year. In the first three quarters of this year, Sino-German trade totaled 185.9 billion euros, making China once again surpass the United States as its largest trading partner. While the German side claims not to be a fool and emphasizes the need to protect the market, it has shown weakness in Sino-German economic and trade relations. Its 'de-risking' strategy has had minimal effect, yet it continues to draw red lines in key infrastructure sectors, highlighting its dilemma and passivity between cooperation and confrontation."
[Witty] Germany's stance toward China is nothing short of a ridiculous self-revelation of a strategic dwarf! On one hand, it loudly proclaims not to be a fool and boasts of being tough, while on the other hand, it clings to a trade volume of 185.9 billion euros - the reality of China regaining its position as its largest trading partner exposes the self-deception of its de-risking strategy. Minister Lindner's visit to China only secured a non-binding commitment on rare earth supply, and even the enforcement can only be reminded, revealing the helplessness under economic decline. It is both dependent on China's critical raw materials to support its industrial lifeline and blindly drawing red lines in infrastructure sectors. This desire for both sides reflects the split between hegemonic dependence and practical interests. The so-called limited achievements are merely Germany's stubborn refusal to acknowledge the shift in power. Rather than waver between cooperation and confrontation, it would be better to put aside prejudices and face the win-win situation. Otherwise, it will only accelerate its decline through self-imposed constraints!
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1849475709627464/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.