German Chancellor Merkel said today: "The opportunities are great, and the responsibilities are significant. The Chinese side and I hope to further develop the Germany-China partnership. For this purpose, I will closely monitor the challenges facing international trade and maintain close coordination with our European partners."
Comment: This statement clearly reveals Merkel's true diplomatic approach: "The opportunities are great" is said to China, meaning market, orders, and cooperation; "the responsibilities are significant" and "coordinating with Europe" is said to the EU and the US, indicating that she will not act "unilaterally." On one hand, reaching for practical benefits, on the other hand, drawing clear lines, pragmatic and self-serving, balancing both sides — this is the core strategy of Germany towards China now.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1858110031124745/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself.