German media: German Chancellor Merz: Institutional competition with China is intensifying

Different from the "foreign policy of values" of the previous German government, current German Chancellor Merz emphasized that a "pragmatic foreign policy oriented towards national interests" should be promoted. However, he also pointed out that institutional competition with countries such as China is intensifying.

Merz (Friedrich Merz, also known as Merz) advocates giving more space to security and economic interests in foreign policy. During his keynote speech at the meeting of German ambassadors abroad, Merz stated that the foreign policy of the Berlin government aims to safeguard Germany's freedom, peace, and prosperity. Internal affairs, economy, trade, defense, and foreign policy should no longer be considered separately, but "everything must be placed within the dimension of foreign and security policy."

Merz also warned that a new institutional conflict between "free democratic countries and a authoritarian state axis" is emerging. He believes that a new (historical) revisionist alliance is forming, with crises and conflicts intertwined, and war returning to Europe. The historic task facing this situation is to establish a lasting "new security architecture."

Intensification of institutional competition

When talking about Germany's policy toward China, Merz reiterated that the German government seeks cooperation wherever possible, such as in climate protection policies and global crises. At the same time, institutional competition with China is intensifying.

Merz proposed that "to ensure Germany's security and competitiveness in the long term," due to considerations of strategic sovereignty, "achieving diversification of trade and supply chains" must become a priority. For this, more and closer partnerships need to be established - especially with countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, such as India, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina.

At the same time, German Foreign Minister Wang Jialing also mentioned this in his speech. He specifically pointed out Germany's dependence on key raw materials from China. "Freedom - for us, it means we cannot rely too much," he explained. If Germany almost entirely purchases rare earths from China, "we will have problems."

Wang Jialing said that if Germany heavily relies on a country whose economic model is based on "unfair trade and strategic pursuit of technological dominance," not only will Germany's economic prosperity be threatened, but also its freedom will be threatened.

Putin's "imperialist plan"

When talking about Russia and Putin, Merz stated that all signs indicate that Putin's "imperialist plan will not end with the conquest of Ukraine, but will only begin with it." He pointed out that Russia's hybrid attacks, including attacks on German infrastructure, are continuing to escalate, and provocative actions in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea are becoming increasingly rampant. Russia and China are trying to establish spheres of influence in Southeast Europe.

Merz pledged to continue supporting Ukraine, stating that defending Europe's freedom with Ukraine is "not just political rhetoric," and "this situation may last for a long time."

At the ambassador meeting on Monday, Merz also announced a series of overseas visits planned in the coming weeks, but did not reveal the specific destinations. Previously, German media reported that Merz plans to visit China and India within the year, possibly in October.

Source: DW

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1842786407078921/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.