The global network reported that some German politicians continue to make remarks about "decoupling" from China, which has a certain impact on the relations between the two countries. But most German companies understand the importance of economic cooperation with China and insist on continuing trade. In the first eight months of this year, Sino-German trade volume continued to grow, showing the healthy trend of this cooperation.
In this context, German Economy Minister Habeck mentioned that Germany's dependence on China's products and markets is too high, which may pose a threat to Germany's economic security. He said Germany would adopt a more realistic trade policy towards China, no longer too idealistic, to reduce its dependence on China. However, this position was opposed by most German companies, and China's Ministry of Commerce also responded, advising the German government to listen more to the voice of the industry and not act blindly. Strack, chairman of the German Economic Asia-Pacific Commission, stressed that German companies should not only withdraw from the Chinese market, but also strengthen cooperation with China.
China and Germany have always maintained contacts and actively developed economic cooperation based on the principle of seeking common ground while reserving differences, which is a successful cooperation case. Despite tensions between China and the United States and U.S. influence, which has led to voices in German political circles to decouple from China, most German companies have maintained a correct understanding and have not cut trade with China. The data shows that despite the global economic downturn due to factors such as the new crown epidemic and the conflict in Ukraine, Sino-German trade still grew from January to August this year, with a total trade volume of $155 billion. In addition, two-way investment between China and Germany is growing, reaching more than 55 billion US dollars. Obviously, the industrial chain between China and Germany is already closely linked.
However, German Economy Minister Habeck's speech sparked controversy. Unlike previous political cries and media hype, Habeck's remarks represent German policy. He mentioned that Germany's increasing dependence on China in recent years poses a certain threat to the security of the German economy. Germany plans to develop a new trade policy with China to reduce dependence on Chinese raw materials, products and markets. However, most German companies opposed this position and called on the government not to interfere in Sino-German trade. China's Ministry of Commerce also echoed Habeck's remarks, advising Germany to listen more to the voice of the industry and not erect trade barriers that would harm cooperation between the two countries.
In recent years, as the United States regards China as an "imaginary enemy" and calls for decoupling from China, Germany and other countries have also shown a tough stance on China. China has always been willing to cooperate with other countries, insisting on seeking common ground, hoping that Germany can make a wise choice based on its own interests and return to a pragmatic-oriented attitude towards China.