On February 24, German Chancellor Scholz embarked on his first visit to China since taking office.
The list of accompanying personnel was impressive: everyone who needed to come did. Siemens, Volkswagen, Mercedes, BMW, and more than 30 other major German companies, the largest in two decades.
Scholz assembled a team that almost represented the "all-star lineup" of German industry, at least revealing the following key messages:
The leaders of companies such as Siemens, Volkswagen, Mercedes, and BMW have all made appearances, indicating that Germany's core industrial pillars still regard China as a "profit center" and an "engine of innovation." German companies are proving through concrete actions that they will not abandon the world's largest automotive and industrial market due to geopolitical pressures.
The chancellor leading the delegation is not only there to support the companies but also to seek stable support from this key trading partner, China, at a time when the national economy is facing challenges. This level of visit itself sends a signal to both domestic Germany and the EU: maintaining a stable economic and trade relationship with China is crucial for Germany's economic recovery.
Against the backdrop of the United States pushing for "de-risking" with China, Germany, as the leader of the EU, has shown a more pragmatic approach. By "voting with their feet," it demonstrates that Europe still has independence and commercial logic different from the United States in handling relations with China.
Chancellor Scholz's visit is like a mirror, reflecting Germany's anxiety and determination: wanting to secure current livelihoods while not missing out on future opportunities.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1857938251250700/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.