Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited German Chancellor Olaf Scholz today. Among other things, economic relations were discussed, but subjects that were less easy to deal with were also discussed. Namely: human rights violations in China, the Chinese position in the war in Ukraine and the Taiwan issue.
However, according to director Gunther Gülker of the German-Dutch Chamber of Commerce, there was a “positive and constructive discussion”, in which both stressed that dialogue has priority. Especially in the field of economics and climate. “Arrangements were then made to meet regularly and arrive at common solutions,” he explains. “Both countries are major CO2 emitters.”
‘The meeting was meant to be a signal to demonstrate that great importance is attached to mutual relations’
So there were really no surprises, thinks Chinese consultant and researcher Frans-Paul van der Putten of the Clingendael Institute. On the contrary, he believes that the meeting between the two countries should be a signal to show that great importance is attached to mutual relations. “So that economic and diplomatic relations remain good,” he says. “But in terms of content there was little remarkable to report as far as I was concerned.”
Relations
And the fact that a lot of importance is attached to bilateral relations is a good thing, according to Gülker. Especially since China and Germany already have very close relations with each other. Gülker says this is over 300 billion euros. “China is still Germany’s most important trading partner, but German companies are currently not having an easy time in China,” he explains.
This is mainly because market access is limited, there are problems with espionage and intellectual property law, and Germany cannot participate in tenders. “That means a lot of points, which is why Scholz insisted on a level playing field in the discussion,” says Gülker.
Voltage
So there is a lot at stake, Van der Putten agrees with Gülker. And not only for Germany, China is also at risk. Especially since China’s relationship with the US has deteriorated significantly in recent months and years, Van der Putten says. “It is all the more important that China maintains good relations with Europe, and within Europe, Germany is by far the most important partner.”
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
