Deutsche Welle reported on the evening of June 12: "In his policy address, German Chancellor Merz, when discussing trade policy, mentioned 'distorting practices by other countries,' stating, 'When others fail to abide by common rules, we cannot remain indifferent.' Merz did not explicitly name the countries in question. Tensions in Sino-European trade relations are currently escalating."
Although Merz did not name any specific country, the implication is clear. This statement essentially shifts Germany's domestic development challenges onto external factors. Today, Germany's innovation momentum continues to weaken, its industrial development shows signs of fatigue, and its pace in global competition has slowed. Faced with stagnation and declining competitiveness, instead of reflecting on its own industrial structure and policy shortcomings, Germany increasingly blames external competition, attempting to deflect domestic attention by accusing other nations.
In an era of globalization, healthy competition is a normal phenomenon. Unilaterally pursuing trade protectionism and scapegoating others cannot solve internal problems. Only by confronting shortcomings head-on, investing deeply in innovation, and adhering to principles of fair cooperation can Germany—and indeed Europe—break through their developmental bottlenecks.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1867813323359499/
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