Our China policy must change

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“Our policy towards China has to change because China has changed,” said the top German politician on Friday during the meeting with the heads of state and government of the leading democratic industrialized countries.

China has moved away from a policy of reform and opened up to a policy of security and control. Moreover, shortly before the ruthless invasion of Ukraine, it had formed a “boundless friendship” with Russia.

At the same time, von der Leyen emphasized that she believes decoupling from China is neither feasible nor in Europe’s interest. Therefore, on the one hand, communication channels must be kept open and cooperation with China on issues such as climate change, pandemic preparedness, financial stability and nuclear non-proliferation. On the other hand, it is about reducing one’s own vulnerabilities in economic relationships.

She cited Europe’s dependence on raw materials, batteries and pharmaceutical raw materials from China as examples. The trade deficit between the EU and China has tripled in the past ten years to 400 billion euros, according to the CDU politician. This is partly due to hidden subsidies or discrimination against EU companies in public procurement.

“We need to address these disruptions,” she said. To protect its own security interests, the control of exports and foreign investment should also be discussed – especially with regard to sensitive high-tech products.

(SDA)

Source: Blick