German expert: Premier Li Qiang's visit to Germany is beneficial for further deepening cooperation between the two countries | Germany China | Li Qiang
Michael Schumann
At the invitation of German Chancellor Scholz, Chinese Premier Li Qiang will go to Germany from June 18th to hold the seventh round of China Germany government consultations and make an official visit to Germany. Michael Schumann, President of the German Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade, stated in an interview with People's Daily that this visit is beneficial for enhancing trust and resolving doubts between Germany and China, and further promoting cooperation between the two countries, which is of great significance.
As the geopolitical situation in some regions worsens and the energy crisis intensifies, some political forces and media in Germany have begun to exaggerate the so-called "decoupling from China" argument. Schumann stated that in the past few decades, Germany and China have maintained a long-term stable, mutually respectful, and fruitful cooperative relationship. Undoubtedly, given the current international situation, countries should be prepared for the economic risks that may arise from global crises, detect them as early as possible, and make effective responses in a timely manner. But as German Chancellor Scholz has repeatedly emphasized, decoupling is not the right option. Based on facts, objectively viewing the interdependence of the economy is the correct approach.
A study released by the Kiel Institute of World Economics in Germany in February this year also showed that Germany's dependence on the Chinese economy is significantly lower than the level shown in trade statistics. "It is unreasonable for some German media to overly focus on and exaggerate Germany's dependence on the Chinese economy," Schumann emphasized.
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During the consultation, the Chinese side proposed that China and Germany become "green peers" partners, and the German side also hopes that the two countries can reach more cooperation consensus in areas such as addressing climate change and green development. Schumann believes that decarbonization and climate protection are the current focus of attention for the German side in developing Germany China relations, which also provides an excellent opportunity for the two countries to further deepen technological and economic cooperation in the future. Germany has always been one of the most innovative countries in the field of technology, with advantages in the production, storage, and application of renewable energy, especially hydrogen energy. Meanwhile, Germany's engineering science is renowned globally, and promoting decarbonization in this field will undoubtedly drive innovative development. Germany and China can learn from each other, further deepen cooperation, and ultimately achieve common development in these fields.
Last year marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Germany and China, and this year marks the 45th anniversary of technological innovation cooperation between Germany and China. Premier Li Qiang's visit is the first offline consultation between the two governments since the COVID-19 and the first comprehensive docking between the two governments. Schumann stated that this sends a very positive signal, which is beneficial for increasing trust and resolving doubts between Germany and China, and further promoting cooperation between the two countries. "Most people in the German economic community have high expectations for the results of this government consultation, and most German entrepreneurs will also firmly maintain contact with China," he emphasized.