2023-07-13 12:56:10
On Thursday, the federal cabinet decided on a comprehensive China strategy for the federal government for the first time. The document, prepared under the auspices of the Federal Foreign Office, is intended to set a framework for future relations with the People’s Republic, which is Germany’s largest goods trading partner.
In the document, the German government accuses the government in Beijing of relativizing human rights and undermining international law with its power politics in the Indo-Pacific. “The federal government is concerned about China’s efforts to influence the international order in the interests of its one-party system and to relativize the fundamentals of the rule-based order, such as the position of human rights,” says the 61-page paper.
In the Indo-Pacific, China is increasingly aggressively claiming regional supremacy, thereby calling into question the principles of international law. “China uses its economic power in a targeted manner to achieve its political goals. China’s relations with many states in its neighborhood and beyond have deteriorated considerably as a result of this robust approach.” The Federal Government also points out that China’s decision to expand relations with Russia is of direct security policy importance for Germany.
Hard course against espionage
This also announces a tough course against Chinese espionage. “The espionage activities directed against Germany are increasing, especially in cyberspace.” Any analogue and digital espionage and sabotage activities by Chinese services and state-controlled groups in and against Germany are “resolutely opposed”.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) tweeted after the document was passed: “We continue to work with China, also economically or on climate protection – the China strategy gives our relations a new framework.” Critical issues such as human rights, the rule of law and fair competition “speak we’re always on,” he added.
He pointed out that the goal of the China strategy is not to decouple from China. “But we want to avoid critical dependencies in the future,” he added. With the new strategy, the federal government is reacting to a China that has changed and is taking a more offensive stance. “For us, China is and will remain a partner, competitor and systemic rival.”
Baerbock: We need China, but China also needs us
Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) tweeted that the federal government was sending a message with the new strategy: “We want to work with China,” wrote Baerbock. “Because we need China, but China also needs us in Europe.”
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock speaks with Economics Minister Robert Habeck (both Greens) on July 13, 2023 before the start of the Federal Cabinet meeting. : Image: dpa
For economic cooperation, which has grown immensely in recent years, the following applies: “We don’t want to detach ourselves from China, we want to minimize our risks.” This includes “promoting our economy in Europe as well as reducing dependencies,” wrote the foreign minister. The more diverse trade and supply chains are set up, “the more resilient our country is”.
The strategy does not have the force of law, but should serve as a guide for future relations with Beijing. The traffic light parties SPD, Greens and FDP had already agreed to develop the China strategy in their coalition agreement in autumn 2021.
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This is necessary “in order to be able to realize our values and interests in the systemic rivalry with China,” says the contract. The document was drawn up with the involvement of all federal ministries, the Federal Chancellery and other stakeholders. It is the “result of countless discussions with colleagues in the government, in the Bundestag, in municipalities, with business, science, NGOs and our international partners,” wrote Baerbock.
The strategy touches on security policy issues as well as issues of economic relations and scientific exchange. It expressly names differences, for example in dealing with human rights and civil liberties. Another important point is to reduce economic dependency on China.
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