Hong Kong media: What is the intention of Germany's first release of the "China Strategy"? China clarifies its position Germany | China | Strategy
According to a report on the website of Radio Hong Kong on July 14th, the German government has released its first "China Strategy" document, stating that it does not seek to "decouple" from China, but hopes to reduce dependence in key areas to reduce risks.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated at a regular press conference on the 14th that China believes that practicing competition and protectionism under the pretext of "reducing risks" and "reducing dependence" will only backfire by making normal cooperation more secure and politicized.
Wang Wenbin pointed out that the consensus between China and Germany far outweighs differences, cooperation far outweighs competition, and both sides are partners rather than rivals. In the current complex and turbulent international situation, we hope that the German side can comprehensively and objectively view China's development, formulate rational and pragmatic policies towards China, work together with China to address global challenges, and contribute more stability and positive energy to world peace and development.
Reuters reported on July 13th that after Germany released its "China Strategy" report, the Chinese Embassy in Germany stated on the 13th that China hopes that Germany will "rationally, comprehensively, and objectively" view China's development.
The Chinese Embassy issued a statement stating, "Forcibly 'removing risks' based on ideological bias and competitive anxiety will only have the opposite effect and artificially exacerbate risks."
The embassy also claimed that China is Germany's partner in responding to challenges, not a competitor. Viewing China as a "competitor and institutional opponent" is not in line with objective facts and is not in line with the common interests of both countries.
The statement emphasizes that China and Germany share many common interests in promoting world multipolarity, maintaining free trade, and addressing climate change.
The embassy claims that "pragmatic cooperation in various fields such as China Germany's economy and trade is a mutually beneficial and complementary relationship, which presents greater development opportunities for both sides rather than risks.".
The statement states that China firmly opposes using issues related to Taiwan, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, the sea, and human rights to interfere in China's internal affairs.
On July 13, 2023, local time, in Berlin, Germany, German Foreign Minister Berbok introduced the "China Strategy" at a meeting of the German think tank Mercator China Research Center.
According to Agence France Presse on July 13th, Berlin announced its new strategy for China. This 64 page document covers a wide range of topics from climate policy to human rights, and Germany is attempting to use it as a "compass" for bilateral relations with China.
"Our goal is not to 'decouple'. But we want to reduce critical dependence," said German Chancellor Scholz. He clearly stated, "For us, China is and will continue to be a partner, competitor, and institutional opponent."
The last two titles were immediately rejected by Beijing. The Chinese Embassy in Germany issued a statement stating that treating China as a "competitor and institutional opponent" is not in line with objective facts and is not in line with the common interests of both countries.
The report stated that this strategic document has a cautious tone, with warnings and calls for cooperation alternating. The document states, "Systematic competition with China does not mean we cannot cooperate." Berlin also believes, "Without China, we cannot overcome the climate crisis."
However, the German government expressed concern about China's efforts to influence the international order. Berlin believes, "China intends to use its economic strength to achieve its political goals."
According to a report on the website of the German newspaper "Business Daily" on July 13th, Germany has released its first China strategy, with the core point of reducing economic dependence on China.
German Foreign Minister Berbok said in introducing the strategy that Germany must pay more attention to economic security. "This first means minimizing collective risks that not only affect individuals but also the entire economy."
The report states that a clear warning to the economic community to bear the risks of operating in China is a new wording. The strategy states, "The cost of collective risk must be more absorbed within the company, so that in the event of a geopolitical crisis, there is no need to use national funds to rescue them."
The German economic community believes that this strategy towards China is successful. Peter Adrian, President of the German Chamber of Commerce, said, "The federal government does not intend to impose new bureaucratic burdens on businesses, such as reporting obligations, declaration obligations, or conducting stress tests, which is very important."
The President of the German Federation of Industries, Sigfried Ruswolm, said that the German Federation of Industries agrees with the federal government's assessment. Nevertheless, as the world's second largest market, China remains an absolutely important economic partner.
Ruthwood cautioned the federal government not to intervene too much in implementing investment regulatory measures. In the past few months, representatives of large German listed companies have criticized the federal government's repositioning of its policy towards China and warned against complete decoupling.
