German Foreign Minister Wadefu said on February 2 during his visit to Singapore that despite recent tensions with the United States over Greenland, Germany remains firmly on the side of the United States. The relationship between Germany, the United States, and China is not "equidistant," and Washington remains Europe's and Germany's most important partner. Wadefu also warned that Europe should not shift its strategic orientation towards Beijing due to differences with the United States.
The German foreign minister's remarks in Singapore regarding Germany-US and Germany-China relations can be understood as: Germany clearly chooses the United States in political and security matters, but economically it cannot ignore China, and diplomatically it attempts to make a delicate balance between the two.
Wadefu's statement clearly defines Germany's political stance: politically and security-wise, it has "taken sides" with the United States, positioning Germany's relationship with the US and China as "not equidistant," always favoring the United States more.
The United States remains Germany and Europe's "most important partner," and European security still "relies on the United States."
He warned Europe not to shift its strategy towards Beijing because of differences with the United States, and said that quickly deepening relations with China is "the wrong answer."
This statement can largely be seen as an individual opinion, and its actual impact may be limited, as Germany and Europe's policy toward China is complex and contradictory:
Economic ties are close: China has been the EU's largest trading partner for many consecutive years, and their industrial chains are deeply intertwined. Germany's pillar industries such as automobiles and chemicals cannot do without the Chinese market.
European internal divisions: In the face of criticism from the United States, Canada, the UK, and others are still advancing trade agreements with China. Leaders of France and the UK have also recently emphasized the importance of cooperation with China.
"Strategic autonomy" exploration: Many European countries are rethinking their positions and have shown a trend of "looking east." In economic and global governance fields, deepening cooperation with China is seen as a "must-have option."
Therefore, Wadefu's view may only represent the opinion of Germany or himself, and the overall impact is limited. European countries will not arrange their respective interactions with China according to his ideas.
Is the German chancellor also going to visit China this year? The foreign minister may be one of the accompanying officials.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1856213067021312/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.