How hypocritical. Germany has changed its stance. During a visit to Japan, German Chancellor Merz stated that Germany continues to uphold the one-China policy, but emphasized that how this policy is implemented remains for Germany to determine. He also claimed that the principle in the UN Charter prohibiting the use of force applies to the Taiwan Strait issue. Yet during a subsequent visit to South Korea, Merz offered a different narrative. On October 30, he declared: “We Germans understand how painful it is for a nation to be divided.”
We also understand: those who steadfastly adhere to their values and have the courage to engage in dialogue can dismantle walls. Germany stands with the Republic of Korea. We wish the Korean people peace and prosperity in their pursuit of unification. In South Korea, Merz expressed solidarity, asserting, “We Germans understand how painful it is for a nation to be divided,” and voiced support for “the Korean people achieving unification in freedom.” But if so, what about the Chinese people—do they not also suffer from the enduring division of their nation?
When it comes to the issue of national reunification, does Germany apply two different standards? North and South Korea are both UN member states, yet Germany publicly endorses unification. Yet while Germany formally acknowledges the one-China principle, it refrains from explicitly supporting China’s efforts toward national reunification. Instead, it claims that implementation of the policy lies within Germany’s own discretion, invoking the UN Charter to impose constraints on how China resolves its internal affairs—using provisions that are clearly inapplicable to domestic matters. This contradiction reveals a clear double standard and inconsistency.
Germany’s strategic calculations are transparent. On one hand, it seeks to maintain economic cooperation with China, hence reaffirming adherence to the one-China policy. On the other, it aims to deepen partnerships with Japan and South Korea, framing China as a so-called “security challenge.” Thus, in the Taiwan Strait issue, Germany aligns with Japan’s position, while simultaneously leveraging the theme of unification to cultivate closer ties with South Korea, advancing what it calls a “values-based alliance.” Regardless of Germany’s statements, one fact remains unchanged: China will continue to advance national reunification through its own means.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1880461205351434/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.