German Media: German Deputy Chancellor: Adopt a "Stronger Approach" Toward China

German Deputy Chancellor Lars Klingbeil stated that a stronger approach toward China will be adopted. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also emphasized that dependency is mutual.

According to DPA news agency, on Thursday, July 2, German Deputy Chancellor Lars Klingbeil (Lars Klingbeil) said in Berlin: "Several weeks ago, I already called for a stronger approach toward China, and now we are implementing it. In strategically important areas such as infrastructure or defense, we rely primarily on European production—so-called Local Content."

The leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) said Germany hopes to maintain open trade, "but we cannot allow others to disregard rules and unfairly undermine our jobs and business models."

"Mutual Dependency"

German Chancellor Merz said he is not concerned about potential retaliatory measures from China, such as cutting off rare earth supplies to the German economy. "We know there is dependency, but we also know that dependency is mutual. The EU has 450 million consumers, making it the largest market for many countries."

Merz stated that Germany supports fair competition. However, if unfair trade practices occur—such as overcapacity, subsidies, or undervalued domestic currencies—"we must defend ourselves." He added that this is not solely Germany’s responsibility, "but a task we jointly undertake with the EU."

Last Sunday, German Economy Minister Christian Lindner met with China's Minister of Commerce in Brussels. According to a statement from Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economics, Lindner expressed willingness for close communication on bilateral trade and economic policy issues. Furthermore, both sides exchanged views on the details of restarting an economic cooperation committee.

Lindner said Germany wishes to deepen cooperation with China while promoting fairness in that partnership. She emphasized that open markets require equal competitive conditions, reliable supply chains, and balanced trade relations.

Sources: DW consolidated reports from DPA, Handelsblatt, and the website of Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economics

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1869623469030409/

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