German media: Expert interview: "Merkel's certain distance towards China is appropriate"

German Chancellor Merkel made his first Asian trip to India, not China. Professor Heribert Dieter from the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) stated that although India still cannot replace China in terms of economic "de-risking", this visit sends a clear political signal.

DW: You are currently a visiting professor at a university in Bangalore. German Chancellor Merkel has just visited here. Why did he choose India as the destination of his first Asian trip, rather than China or Japan? What does it signify?

Professor Dieter: In my view, this sends a very clear signal. The development of Germany-India and EU-India relations is very positive. Germany and India, as democratic regimes, have high consistency. Japan is also like that.

Therefore, Merkel feels at home here and is warmly welcomed. I think that his first Asian trip to India, rather than East Asia, is a very positive signal.

DW: Merkel also called India an "ideal partner". However, India has not condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine so far. Is this a hindrance to deepening Germany-India relations?

Professor Dieter: I don't think it is a hindrance. The Indian government has always emphasized its independent foreign policy. The Indian foreign minister said that they act according to their own interests, not influenced by other countries' tendencies. Therefore, we need to respect this.

For decades, India has maintained relatively good relations with the former Soviet Union and now with Russia. India received Soviet support during the Sino-Indian War. This will not be forgotten soon. Many weapon systems used by the Indian military today are also from Russia. It is difficult to stop this overnight.

We in Germany may not fully realize that, for example, Western sanctions against Russia are not supported by 85% of the world's population. Therefore, India is not an exception but has its own tendencies, like many other so-called "Global South" countries.

DW: Trade is also one of the key issues of Merkel's visit. Can this trip be seen as part of the German government's "de-risking" strategy towards China?

Professor Dieter: To achieve "de-risking," it is necessary to increase purchases from India. But despite such intentions, implementation is not easy. Purchasing from China is still much easier. The productivity of India's processing industry is still far behind that of China.

Therefore, it is a positive signal for the German and European business community to place more emphasis on the partnership with India. Germany is following the examples of the United States and Australia, especially companies like Apple, which have invested heavily in India in recent years. Now, many Apple phones are produced in India, reportedly accounting for about a quarter. Although it is not yet a large amount, compared to the past when all Apple phones were produced in China, it is a sharp increase.

So, implementing "de-risking" with India is not easy right now. But India shows positive development trends. In recent years, the country has been the fastest-growing economy and continues to grow rapidly. This also brings sales opportunities for German companies. At the same time, Indian professional talents are expected to continue to flow into Germany.

DW: If in terms of trade, India is unlikely to replace China in the short term, then is this trip more of a political signal?

Professor Dieter: Yes, I think it is a clear political signal. Especially when compared to his predecessors - Scholz and Merkel. Merkel visited China many times and clearly stated that, for her, German-Chinese relations were particularly important. Merkel has shown a certain distance towards China. I think this is appropriate. Moreover, there are increasing problems due to China's trade surplus with other countries. Therefore, the German government is beginning to shift more towards India rather than China, which is very appropriate.

(This interview content has been edited)

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1854298583267339/

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