Merkel's Visit to China: Germany and China Hope to Deepen Cooperation

According to German radio: Germany and China hope to deepen economic cooperation.

German Chancellor Merkel said in Beijing that the two countries have maintained a good bilateral relationship for decades, and she hopes to continue advancing on this basis. During the meeting, Merkel referred to China as a "comprehensive strategic partner." Merkel also called on China to increase investments in Germany. Merkel further mentioned that China has announced an additional order of 120 aircraft from Airbus, which also involves Germany. In addition, there will be a Germany-China government consultation this year.

Merkel's visit was accompanied by an economic delegation and she met with representatives of Chinese enterprises.

According to German television channel one: During his visit to Beijing, Merkel stated that there is "huge potential" between Germany and China. At the beginning of his visit to Beijing, he announced that he would carry out intensive dialogue.

Merkel hopes to expand economic and diplomatic relations with China. The CDU politician stated in Beijing: "I place great importance on maintaining and, where possible, deepening this relationship."

Merkel also emphasized the need to maintain close cooperation with China at the European level. "We share common responsibilities in the world, and we should also fulfill this responsibility together," he said. He noted that the two economies "have great potential for further growth." To achieve this goal, "open channels of communication" are needed. The chancellor announced that professional ministers will visit China in the coming months. Intensive exchanges will take place within the year.

The German website T-Online found that during her visit to China, Merkel's tone was clearly more moderate. This differs from her critical tone domestically and may even represent a subtle strategic adjustment.

At the Munich Security Conference, Merkel also used strong language to describe China, this "great power." He said that China has made "global influence claims" and laid the foundation with "long-term strategic patience."

In terms of economic issues, Merkel's statements in Beijing were more specific, but his tone remained friendlier than at home. After talks with the Chinese Premier, Merkel said that companies reported "insufficient market openness in certain areas." He welcomed "further market openness," believing both sides can benefit from it. He also said that China "has successfully implemented industrial policies," which is its right, but also requires "fair competition."

Regarding the "expanding trade deficit," Merkel believes the reason lies in China's "high competitiveness." Due to China's high export surplus, Europe has seen "calls for protection." He said he "tries to minimize protectionism and protection." It is a gentle reminder: discussions are already taking place within the EU about counter-tariffs.

Regarding the new licensing requirements for rare earth exports, Merkel advocated that the approval process should be "fast, efficient, and provide long-term planning security." He once again sought consensus: in the context of increasing uncertainty in global tariff policies, "we can set an example in bilateral relations" - to some extent, this is relative to the tariff policies of former U.S. President Donald Trump.

The agreements signed on Wednesday include: China's state television will continue to broadcast the German Bundesliga and German table tennis events; both sides will continue to cooperate in addressing climate change; and plans are in place to resume pork and chicken claw trade.

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1858153756125395/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author alone.