Germany New Prime Minister: China is an important economic partner as well as a competitor

Germany's New Chancellor: China is Both an Adversary and an Important Economic Partner

At 1:20 PM local time in Germany on May 14, Friedrich Merz – the newly appointed tenth Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany who had been in office for only a week – walked onto the podium of the Bundestag to deliver a speech. During his time as a member of parliament, Merz often dreamed of this moment, which seemed unattainable during the years when former Chancellor Merkel (from the same Christian Democratic Union) marginalized him.

The Bundestag was packed with people, far more cameras than usual focused on this 69-year-old head of government. His goal was clear: to reignite confidence amid unease and turmoil – as he said, to "reunite consensus where we are about to lose it."

China is Both an Adversary and an Important Economic Partner

In his government statement, Merz regarded China as an important partner for Germany and the EU to meet global challenges and address economic issues. "We will unwaveringly defend established industrial and trade rules," he stated. "With a strategic approach to risk reduction, we will reduce our unilateral dependence on China." He noted that China's foreign policy indicates it as a systemic competitor. Merz expressed concern over the increasingly close relationship between Beijing and Moscow. He emphasized, "We will firmly urge China to contribute to resolving the Ukraine war."

Source: DW

Original Article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1832124304316428/

Disclaimer: The article solely represents the author's personal views.