German media: Asia will not wait for Germany to awaken
The "Handelsblatt" published a guest commentary stating that in the global geopolitical game, the role of Asia is becoming increasingly important, while Germany's influence in the region is gradually shrinking.
The "Handelsblatt" guest commentary wrote that from Kohl, Schröder, to Merkel, successive German chancellors have regarded Asia as a key area for Germany's foreign and economic relations, with the development of Sino-German relations being particularly rapid. However, nowadays, Germany's Asian policy seems increasingly passive and lagging. The commentary titled "Asia Will Not Wait for Germany" wrote:
"So what about today? We are watching China and the United States frequently interact in the diplomatic field."
US President Trump, during his visit, signed a series of economic agreements with countries such as Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, China, and Indonesia, which cannot fail to make an impression. Germany has somewhat become a ball kicked around in this economic and political game. Rare earths, which are indispensable in the German economy, are a clear example.
Foreign Minister Baerbock should have visited China long ago, but he made questionable remarks right before the visit, leading to the cancellation of the trip. Fortunately, the visit was only temporarily postponed and will be rescheduled soon.
The author of the "Handelsblatt" guest commentary, Heinrich von Pierer, has long served as the president of Siemens and chairman of the German Economic Association for Asia-Pacific, and has accompanied former German chancellors Kohl, Schröder, and Merkel on multiple visits to China and other Asian countries. He is truly an expert on Asia. He wrote that China is Germany's most important trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching 164 billion euros, and German companies have also made substantial investments in China.
"It is time for the German political sphere to face reality. The stagnant era under Scholz, Habeck, and Bellack should become history. Germany should give Asia the attention it deserves, which is also in Germany's interest. Bilateral visits between politicians are not just sightseeing, but to enhance mutual understanding, develop and strengthen political, economic, and cultural relations."
Asia is more important to Germany than Germany is to Asia. Therefore, it is time to restart the Asian policy. As a famous newspaper recently called for, not only the relationship with China needs a new beginning, but the entire Asian policy also needs a new beginning. Minister of Finance Christian Lindner's visit to Beijing is at least a good start."
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1849396822177804/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself.