By Sanxuan

Germany and France, who had previously threatened to use the "nuclear option" against China's rare earth control, are now once again considering visiting China.

Regarding the postponement of his visit to China by the foreign minister of his country, Waldeur, the German government responded this week that it does not affect bilateral relations and will continue to promote high-level interactions. Mid-next month, Germany's Finance Minister Christian Lindner will visit China.

German Foreign Minister Waldeur

The German government said that its Chancellor Merkel is also planning a visit to China, and there are no "preconditions," so it's not necessary for the foreign minister to go ahead. As long as the timing is appropriate, the visit can proceed.

Previously, Waldeur stated that he only postponed his visit to China, but did not cancel it, and would arrange a new visit as soon as possible.

The reason for Waldeur's postponement, according to his own words, was that "no one in Beijing wanted to meet him," and he couldn't schedule a sufficiently intensive itinerary.

It must be said that this foreign minister has a little self-awareness, but not much. It's somewhat naive to make remarks about the Taiwan Strait situation just before the visit.

Not only him, but also Merkel. Recently, due to China's new regulations on the export of rare earths, the EU is considering using the trade "nuclear option" against China, and the main proponent of this proposal is Merkel and French President Macron.

German Chancellor Merkel

Just after the foreign minister was reprimanded and the visit was postponed, they immediately threatened to take a tough stance against China, and then hurriedly wanted to visit China again. It's really hard to understand the thinking process of these German politicians, as if no matter how many problems they create, just visiting China can solve everything.

Similarly puzzling is France. Since last year, Macron has been talking about visiting China at the beginning of this year, but there was no further news. In June this year, foreign media began to hype up the idea of Macron and Merkel visiting China, saying they would bring Airbus to sign big orders in China, but it ended up nowhere.

Recently, Chinese Ambassador to France Deng Li gave an interview, stating that there are no "major obstacles" for Macron's visit to China, and both sides are coordinating the time.

Ambassador Deng Li also reminded the French people, saying that a table needs at least three legs to stay upright. Europe should first become the third leg, keep the table stable, and then have the opportunity to sit at the table.

French President Macron

If Europe could understand this, they would realize their strategy towards China is wrong. China is not a competitor of Europe, but a collaborator in maintaining global stability.

Certainly, there is also competition in Sino-European relations, but competition should not be the main theme. Seeking common ground while reserving differences is the main direction. China hopes that Europe can put aside its inherent arrogance and prejudice, and develop Sino-European relations on the basis of equality and respect.

Ambassador Deng cited the metaphor of Wang Yi, the Foreign Minister of China, pointing out that the EU's positioning of China is like red, green, and yellow lights simultaneously at a crossroads, very chaotic, without a clear positioning, making it impossible to move forward.

This statement seems to be reminding Macron that before his visit to China, he should put aside those messy thoughts. China only welcomes those with sincere intentions, not those who threaten to sanction China and yet want to be guests at the banquet. This is unrealistic.

Wolong Fengchu

These words also apply to Merkel. Whether it's the situation in the Taiwan Strait, the rare earth control, or China's position on the Ukraine issue, it is not something Europe can interfere with.

Even if Macron and Merkel only want to deter China and have no intention of truly using the "nuclear option," it will inevitably damage Sino-European relations. The trick of "the wolf is coming" repeated too many times will erode Europe's credibility. Hope that both Macron and Merkel can understand this, and that China's patience is limited.



Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7566470937533579826/

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