German government adopts China strategy for the first time

After months of deliberations, the German cabinet finally approved the country's new strategy towards China on Thursday. It puts relations with the People's Republic of China on a new footing. Accordingly, Germany's economic dependence on China should be reduced. "China has changed - this and China's political decisions require a change in how we deal with China," says the 64-page paper. The paper expressly names differences of opinion, for example in dealing with human rights and civil liberties. Another important point is to reduce economic dependency on China. Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock defended the cabinet's new China strategy and declared: "We are showing that we are realistic, but not naive".

Germany must focus more on its economic security, says the Greens politician in Berlin. "And that means, above all, minimizing cluster risks, which not only affect individuals, but an entire economy." Beijing reacted sharply to this new German strategy and said that "seeing China as a competitor and systematic opponent, not the objective realities and common interests of both sides". The Chinese embassy in Berlin warned in a statement that "an ideological view of China will only increase misunderstandings and misperceptions and damage cooperation and mutual trust".