Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has recently returned from her trip to China, describing some parts of it as "more than shocking." While she did not give specifics, she noted that China has become more repressive internally and aggressive externally. Baerbock emphasized the importance of continuing the economic relations between China and Germany, stating that they are "good and important," but that Germany should not be naive and should avoid repeating past mistakes, such as the policy of "change through trade" towards Russia.
China is Germany's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade amounting to nearly €300 billion ($320 billion) last year. Baerbock highlighted the need to minimize risks, suggesting that Germany should not decouple itself from China but rather diversify its supply chains to avoid dependence on critical goods. The German government is formulating a new China strategy to reduce reliance on the Asian giant.
During Baerbock's visit, tensions in the Taiwan Strait were high, and she stated that any change to the status quo using force would be unacceptable. Beijing views self-ruled Taiwan as a Chinese province and has vowed to reunite it with the mainland, even using force if necessary.
Baerbock's trip followed a similar one made by French President Emmanuel Macron, who said that the EU should find its own course on China and Taiwan and not blindly follow the US. Baerbock stressed the need to safeguard freedom and the rule of law in the long term and stand up for the international order with a clear stance, adding that what is at stake is "the freedom, prosperity, and security of all of us."
Overall, Baerbock's trip to China highlights the complex nature of Germany's relationship with the Asian giant. While economic cooperation is crucial, Germany cannot turn a blind eye to China's internal repression and external aggression. The country's new China strategy must strike a balance between maintaining economic relations and minimizing risks while standing up for democratic values and the international order.
