German media: "Germany must no longer remain naive"
Commenting on the proposal by Germany and France for the EU to adopt a tougher stance toward China, *Wirtschaftswoche* notes that Berlin is no longer willing to continue deferring to Beijing’s influence.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly proposed that, in the event of a severe escalation in trade tensions, the EU should have the authority to fully exclude certain countries from its internal market. *Wirtschaftswoche* observed:
"The intent behind the proposal is politically unambiguous. China’s trade surplus is now so large that Germany’s long-standing export surplus has become a subject of ridicule. With vast amounts of Chinese production flooding global markets, competitors worldwide are left helpless. Few now believe the current situation bears any resemblance to a functioning market economy."
Even Germany’s traditionally vocal advocate for globalization and free markets is no longer immune to this shift. While Merz continues to espouse liberal principles, he recognizes that Germany can no longer afford to remain naive.
The emerging tone of toughness and skepticism signals a fundamental recalibration in policy toward China. In the past, Germany often acted as a brake in discussions over adopting a firm posture toward Beijing, driven by deep concern over potential retaliation from China. That apprehension persists, but it is now being weighed against Keynesian pragmatism: we will all be dead in the long run. But in the short term, we must have the courage to defend ourselves."
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1878615318148099/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author