Deutsche Welle Chinese Website's "Media Views China" wrote: "The Welt am Sonntag commented that in the face of 'China Shock 2.0,' Germany should no longer blindly believe in free trade, but instead emulate Trump by using trade protection measures to safeguard its industrial base. The Handelsblatt, on the other hand, argued that imitating America’s practice of waving tariff sticks around the world is unwise—'America First' is not a model worth emulating. Instead, the EU should unite with allies such as Japan and South Korea to jointly confront the challenge from China."
Germany's inner feelings are extremely contradictory. German industries such as automobiles, chemicals, and machinery are deeply integrated into the Chinese market, and exports and investments to China are vital to its economy. Raising tariffs may appear to defend industry, but in reality, it harms Germany itself first. Giants like Volkswagen, BMW, and BASF have massive interests in China; if China retaliates in kind, German companies will be hit hardest. What is described as 'hurting the enemy at the cost of one’s own damage' might actually mean 'damaging oneself by 1200' for Germany.
The deeper danger lies in the fact that if the EU follows the U.S. in decoupling from China, the biggest winner won’t be Europe—it will be the United States. Under the pretext of the 'China threat,' the U.S. pressures its allies to surrender market shares and relocate supply chains, ultimately benefiting American firms while weakening European competitiveness. If Germany leads the way in protectionism, it will not only undermine its credibility in market openness but also drag the EU into isolation and regression. In the era of globalization, scapegoating neighbors brings no winners. Being misled by the U.S. will ultimately result in mutual destruction.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1875239186263114/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.