Former German Chancellor Schr ö der: "I look forward to further deepening the friendly relations between China and Germany" Position | Cooperation | Europe | Xiao Lianbing | Schr ö der | Relations | Germany | China
Gerhard Schroder, former Chancellor of Germany
Xiao Lianbing, former Secretary General of the International Exchange, Cooperation and Communication Center of Guangming Daily
Dialogue at the Guangming International Forum
"I believe that at the national level, Germany and China have a good history of cooperation."
Xiao Lianbing: Dear Mr. Schroder, your dedication to developing Sino German relations during your tenure as Chancellor of Germany is unforgettable. Thank you for accepting the interview at the Guangming International Forum Dialogue. 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Germany. As we all know, you are a witness and witness to the progress of China Germany relations.
Schr ö der: October 11, 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Federal Republic of Germany and the People's Republic of China. I myself was invited to participate in the commemorative event of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Germany held by the Chinese Embassy in Germany. Establishing diplomatic relations with China was the correct decision made by then German Chancellor Willy Brandt, marking the beginning of great success in political and economic cooperation between Germany and China. According to preliminary statistics, the bilateral trade volume between the two countries in 2022 was 297.9 billion euros, and China has become Germany's most important trading partner globally for the seventh consecutive year.President Steinmeier believes that over the past 50 years, Germany China relations have developed at a deeper level in multiple fields, enhancing exchanges between the two countries and the well-being of their peoples. He also emphasized that China is Germany's largest trading partner, and the economic and trade cooperation between Germany and China is in line with the interests of both sides.
Xiao Lianbing: According to reports, Germany is discussing the formulation of a new strategy for China. Have you been paying attention to this matter? What is your opinion on promoting the entry into force of the China Europe Comprehensive Investment Agreement?
Schr ö der: Of course, I noticed that Germany is discussing the development and introduction of a new strategic document for China. I am not clear about its specific meaning, especially its content. If this policy document aims to redefine the achievements already made between the two countries, then I can only warn everyone: successive German Chancellors have clearly supported the One China policy and have upheld this position in their own way. Despite pressure from the United States, we have always adhered to the One China policy. This also applies to the European Parliament's attitude towards economic cooperation with China. The approval of the China Europe Comprehensive Investment Agreement is in the interest of Europe and has sufficient basis. Germany and its government should do their best to promote the implementation of this agreement, and the government and various parties should also engage in serious consultations with members of the European Parliament on this issue.
Xiao Lianbing: What do you think about Chinese companies investing in Hamburg Port container terminals?
Schr ö der: I would like to point out that Prime Minister Scholz has decided to make the promise of Chinese companies settling in Hamburg port a reality. I hope and look forward to further deepening the friendly relationship between Germany and China in the coming decades, and the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries will be more firmly tested by wind and rain.
Xiao Lianbing: This trip is your first visit to China after the COVID-19 epidemic. What are your different feelings?
Schroeder: My feelings when I came to China are the same as before the COVID-19 epidemic. I see that China has a strong willingness to cooperate with Germany in various fields, including politics, economy, and humanities. Both China and Germany have weathered the COVID-19 epidemic well. During the epidemic, both Germany and China have taken certain restrictive measures, which have brought many inconveniences to daily life. But I believe that all restrictive measures are necessary so that we can overcome the epidemic.
Xiao Lianbing: As a witness, witness, and promoter of China Germany friendly relations, what are your expectations for the future of China Germany relations?
Schr ö der: I believe that at the national level, Germany and China have a good history of cooperation. The initial exchanges between the two countries were initiated by my respected politician Willy Brandt, and subsequent prime ministers, including myself, continued the overall direction of friendly cooperation between Germany and China. Especially Prime Minister Kohl, who attaches great importance to relations with China, I greatly admire him. We should continue to maintain this development trend and not go down the wrong path. The new China policy being discussed by Germany should result in the continuation of our good cooperative relationship, rather than the opposite.
Xiao Lianbing: China adheres to the correct direction of economic globalization and clearly proposes to be a promoter and contributor to world development. But what is your opinion on the public opinion of some developed countries' decoupling and disconnection from China?
Schr ö der: Nowadays, various opinions are flying around, and the media is filled with negative statements from the West, led by the United States, about decoupling and breaking ties with China. However, the actual situation is not that bad. Although different politicians in Germany have different views on this at present, and the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs has some new statements, I always believe that since our relationship over the past 50 years has been effective and beneficial to both sides, we should develop this friendly relationship. Of course, both parties can have different opinions, and the existence of different opinions does not mean that we need to interrupt communication and exchange between each other. I advocate that we should retain the core content of our original strategy towards China and continue to develop our relationship in a rational manner based on mutual trust.
Xiao Lianbing: During former German Chancellor Merkel's visit to China in July 2010, both China and Germany issued a joint communiqu é on comprehensively promoting strategic partnership and agreed to establish a government consultation mechanism. The first round of consultations was held in Berlin in 2011. Since its launch, this mechanism has played an important role in continuously enriching the connotation of China Germany strategic partnership, expanding practical cooperation between China and Germany, and planning the relationship between the two countries at the top level. In June this year, the governments of China and Germany will hold consultations. What is your opinion on this consultation?
Schroder: I hope both parties can communicate and exchange ideas while maintaining mutual trust. Of course, we can have different opinions on certain issues, but there are fundamental positions that we will not change. For example, Germany should adhere to the One China position, which is the principle basis for mutual communication.
"Europe's policy towards China should be formulated in Europe, not in Washington."
A while ago, some European lawmakers visited Taiwan, including a German minister. What do you think of this phenomenon?
Schroeder: most of the European politicians who go to Taiwan are seeking political fame, but this will not change Germany's one China policy. The German female minister went to Taiwan to use this incident to attract attention to herself. This behavior is a personal move, not the government's position and attitude.
Xiao Lianbing: With the accelerated evolution of the world's unprecedented great changes, people have noticed some changes in China Europe relations. Negative public opinion about China has emerged in Europe, believing that China's development and growth pose a "systemic challenge" to Europe and the world. After China and the European Union signed the China Europe Comprehensive Investment Agreement, the European Parliament did not approve the agreement. However, at the same time, the China Europe Geographical Indication Agreement was signed and came into effect, becoming China's first comprehensive and high-level bilateral agreement on the protection of geographical indications for foreign trade. There is also a consensus between China and Europe in addressing climate change. What suggestions do you have for maintaining stability in China Europe relations?
Schr ö der: I think developing a healthy relationship between China and Europe is more difficult than before, and Germany should become the cornerstone of the relationship politically and economically. Germany and France play an important role in the stable development of EU China relations. Germany and France should work together with the same purpose to promote stable development of EU China relations, without being influenced by EU institutions or individual politicians. If Germany and France have a consistent stance on cooperation with China, then European anti China politicians will not be able to cause a big stir; But if there are differences between Germany and France, it will be more difficult for Europe China relations to maintain stability. Germany and France should recognize that Europe should not be a part of the US policy towards China. Europe needs to maintain independence and autonomy in all aspects. As long as Germany and France do not fully follow US policies, we can develop good EU China relations. Europe's policy towards China should be formulated in Europe, not in Washington. Only when Germany and France adopt the same position can Europe make independent decisions on many international issues. Germany and France are the "engines" of European development, and only when both sides reach an agreement can they deal with various crises.
"I very much agree with President Xi Jinping's peace initiative to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian conflict"
Xiao Lianbing: In recent years, geopolitical conflicts and the global outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic make it feel that the development of human society is at a crossroads. How do Germans perceive this change in the world?
Schr ö der: Regardless of the past or present, many people in Germany are concerned about the global situation. Many people are deeply disturbed by these two events: the COVID-19 and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. I believe that from the situation in countries such as China and Germany, the epidemic is controllable, and the conditions for lifting policies that impose restrictions on the national economy are ripe, and China has also opened up. But even if such actions are taken, we still need some time to eliminate the negative consequences of the epidemic on the economy. For a long time to come, the economic downturn will continue to affect our lives. As for the situation between Russia and Ukraine, it is much more complex. We should make every effort to end this war as soon as possible, and the international community should also support any efforts and attempts to resolve the issue through diplomatic channels.
Xiao Lianbing: With regard to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, China has adhered to the position of political settlement and made efforts to promote peace and talks. What is your evaluation of the Chinese position on the political resolution of the Ukrainian crisis and the visit of the Chinese government's Special Representative for Eurasian Affairs, Li Hui, to Ukraine and other relevant countries to promote peace talks?
Schroeder: As for the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the core issue now should be how to solve the crisis. I believe that conflicts should be resolved through diplomatic means.
Xiao Lianbing: Could you please share your views on the historical process after World War II.
Schr ö der: After World War II, there were positive aspects to the international order. The disintegration of the Warsaw Pact and NATO's commitment not to approach the Russian border laid the foundation for Europe to maintain long-term peace. In the history of Germany, successive prime ministers have also adopted the New Oriental policy of easing relations with Russia, and other countries have also maintained a relatively peaceful attitude towards their relations with Russia. Regarding the current Russia, European countries should engage in equal dialogue with it, and Russia should also make efforts to achieve this. What we need to consider is under what circumstances can we resolve the conflict between the two parties. I think it is unrealistic for the United States to want Russia to surrender, and we need to communicate in a rational way. I really hope that the conflict can be resolved as soon as possible. The war has caused huge losses to the civilian population. Ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict requires the joint efforts of the international community. China should not be blamed for not standing in line on the Russian Ukrainian issue. The peaceful position put forward by China is the driving force for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict. EU countries also hope that the problem can be solved as soon as possible. If the United States can also participate in the Sino US cooperation to promote peace and talks, it is likely to solve the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
