Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck (Greens) will have to forego an important meeting during his trip to China. A meeting with Prime Minister Li Qiang that had been hoped for on Saturday will not take place, the Federal Minister of Economics’ delegation said on Friday. The appointment was “not possible in the morning before departure”. Habeck wants to travel on to Shanghai on the second day of his visit to China.
He will meet “a whole series of cabinet colleagues” on Saturday, said Habeck. “So the day is full enough.” He knows Qiang from his time in Schleswig-Holstein state politics, so there is “a history that we can build on.” He has no idea why the meeting has not taken place.
During his visit to Beijing, Habeck spoke out in favor of reforming Germany’s China strategy, which is around a year old. “Sooner or later, the China strategy must be updated,” said the Vice Chancellor on Friday at the start of his trip to the People’s Republic at a reception at the German embassy in Beijing. So far, there is no outlook on what relations between the two countries should look like in the medium term. The German China strategy must contain a longer-term plan. “I say that because I am sure that the Chinese have one,” emphasized Habeck.
Specific areas in politics, trade and climate protection should be addressed. “A strategy means that you have to look into the future and at least describe a path into the future, even if it will never happen as described,” said Habeck. At the same time, he criticized the lack of a European approach. This is necessary in a complex world. “Europe is important and we must stick together,” said the Green politician.
Around a year ago, the German government adopted a strategy for dealing with the world’s second-largest economy after the USA. In it, China is described as a partner, competitor and systemic rival. However, the German government also stresses that both countries “have different ideas about the principles of the international order in important areas”.
A trade war is currently brewing between the European Union and the People’s Republic. The EU Commission wants to impose punitive tariffs on Chinese electric cars. It justifies this with distortions of competition due to high state subsidies in the People’s Republic. China has already threatened countermeasures. Habeck hopes that the punitive tariffs can still be prevented, but are rejected by the German car industry for fear of a trade war with Chinese retaliatory measures.
The Green politician recently pointed out that he could not negotiate for the EU, as this was the job of the EU Commission. But as the largest European economy, Germany’s voice carries particular weight. His trip to China could perhaps make a contribution to finding a solution.
During the trip, which will last until Sunday, Habeck plans to meet with, among others, the Chairman of the State Development and Reform Commission, Zheng Shanjie, Trade Minister Wang Wentao and Industry Minister Jin Zhuanglong. The discussions will focus on issues of bilateral relations and current issues of economic, energy and climate policy.
