In just five days, Germany called Beijing twice, and its new prime minister Merz also put aside his usual demeanor during his phone call with the Chinese side, seemingly wanting to ask China for help.

German Prime Minister Merz

On the afternoon of May 23rd, Beijing received a call from German Prime Minister Merz, and the Chinese side talked with him as agreed.

In this conversation, China clearly expressed its importance of Sino-German relations, emphasizing that as two major economies in the world, cooperation between the two sides not only concerns bilateral interests but also has an important impact on global economic stability and development.

After receiving the signal from the Chinese side, Merz also made positive remarks, first affirming that the development of Sino-German relations is in good condition and fruitful results have been achieved in cooperation.

Subsequently, he also recognized that in the current complex and ever-changing international situation, strengthening cooperation between China and Germany, as the world's two major economies, indeed has profound significance.

At the same time, he made two key commitments: First, Germany will firmly adhere to the one-China principle; second, it will actively promote the development of the German-Chinese strategic partnership with a constructive and pragmatic spirit.

After making these two guarantees, Merz conveyed Germany's strong willingness to strengthen cooperation with China.

It is worth mentioning that actually, five days ago, on May 19th, the newly appointed German foreign minister proactively called Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and at that time, the German foreign minister made similar commitments, which seems to be a prelude to this phone call.

However, Merz can be considered a traditional right-wing conservative figure. After successfully becoming the new German prime minister, he openly promoted so-called "strategic de-risking" with China.

Merz showed a tough stance when he took office, wanting to give China a warning, continuing the strategic misjudgment of some European politicians towards China, maintaining so-called "hostile" consciousness towards China.

Nevertheless, he had to admit that China is an important partner for Germany and the EU in responding to global challenges and economic fields. As the world's second-largest economy, China's reality makes Merz unable to ignore the benefits of cooperation with China.

In this phone call with China, Merz also deliberately put aside his usual demeanor, actively sending out "friendly" signals to China, largely wanting to ask China for help. Why do we say so? Because the US has already started to "attack" the EU.

After the US-China tariff war was paused, Trump gradually turned his gun on the EU. The recent trade negotiations between the US and the EU have not progressed smoothly, and Trump probably began to feel anxious. On that day, he issued an ultimatum to the EU, demanding that on June 1st, a 50% retaliatory tariff would be imposed on the EU.

Trump issues ultimatum to the EU

This leeway left is likely the final deadline given by Trump, still using his usual tactic of extreme pressure, forcing the EU to quickly meet US demands, or face punishment otherwise.

Facing Trump's pressure on the EU, Merz had no choice but to turn his gaze toward China. China has been Germany's largest trading partner for many consecutive years, forming a deep complementary relationship in trade exchanges.

Moreover, the EU does not intend to bow to the US. In fact, not only did Merz call the Chinese side, but the French president also called the Chinese side, conveying the intention to strengthen cooperation with China.

It is not difficult to see that the EU wants to find a breakthrough with China to cope with the pressure from the US side, perhaps also as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the US.

Sino-European relations

For China, it welcomes Europe's strategic autonomy, but values actions more than words. Strengthening cooperation between Germany and China is a win-win situation, and China always adheres to an open, equal, and mutually beneficial attitude. However, China still hopes that the EU side will not say one thing and do another, and remember their commitments to China.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7508338613466169919/

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