At the start of his visit to China, Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil emphasized fair competition and better market access for German companies. “Access to vital raw materials and reducing China’s excess capacity in sectors such as steel and electromobility are vital for the economy and jobs in Germany,” the finance minister and SPD leader said in Berlin before departure. Beijing.
“We don’t shy away from competition, but competition must be fair,” added Klingbeil. This industry relies heavily on many raw materials China. There have recently been restrictions on shipments of rare earth metals by the government in Beijing, as a result of international trade disputes.
“We seek dialogue with China to find solutions to pressing problems despite rising international tensions,” Klingbeil continued. In particular, he wanted to talk about, among other things, more intensive cooperation in the financial sector and better market access for German companies. Also the possibility of Chinese influence on Ukrainian war will be the topic. “China played a critical role in ending this war,” Klingbeil said.
Klingbeil promotes market access for German companies
The SPD leader and vice-chancellor will take part in the German-Chinese financial dialogue on Monday. Dialogue with China is important despite increasing international tensions. “We coordinate closely with the federal government and also with the European Union. We advocate rules-based markets and global economic stability.”
Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine will also be a topic of discussion, Klingbeil added. China played an important role in ending the war. The People’s Republic of China is a close ally of Russia and, from Russia’s point of view, could do just that Federal Government Put pressure on the Russian leadership.
The first minister of the black-red coalition in China
Klingbeil was accompanied by high-level managers from banks and insurance companies. Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel is also expected to attend a financial dialogue in Beijing on Monday. Klingbeil’s keynote address was to meet Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, who is responsible for economic and financial policy. Klingbeil also wants to attend a meeting in China’s economic metropolis, Shanghai, on Wednesday before traveling to Singapore the same day. According to the ministry, the two cities are carrying out exchanges with German companies.
Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul postponed his planned trip to China for a short time in October. The CDU politician also wants to address trade issues there, but can’t find a high-level interlocutor. Klingbeil is now the first federal government representative to travel to China.
Green Party leader criticizes “contradictory signals”
Criticism of the trip came from Green Party leader Franziska Brantner. “The federal government is sending very contradictory signals to Beijing,” he told The New York Times German Editorial Network (RND). “If the foreign minister had to cancel his trip due to a lack of a serious offer to negotiate, while the finance minister arrived at the same time as planned, this would look haphazard in terms of foreign policy. A government will only look internationally credible if its signals are appropriate.”
Especially considering China’s role in Russia’s war of aggression and new trade restrictions, “Germany needs a clear and coordinated China strategy,” Brantner added. Economic interests are closely linked to foreign and security policy objectives. “After relations with Moscow, we don’t need relations with Beijing anymore,” he stressed. Brantner also asked the Vice Chancellor to speak to those responsible in China about the threat of stopping shipments of chips or rare earth metals. “I expect Mr. Klingbeil will emphasize healthy competition in Beijing,” he said.
Green Party MP Brugger called for clear words on Taiwan
The co-chair of the Green parliamentary group, Agnieszka Brugger, warned the RND that “Vice Chancellor Klingbeil must firmly represent our interests and values to the Chinese government.” He should not shy away from clear language, for example about China’s aggressive behavior towards Taiwan and in the South China Sea.
He referred to answers to minor questions to the Federal Ministry of Finance, which were submitted to the RND. In it, Parliamentary Foreign Minister Dennis Rohde wrote: “The Federal Government’s general position remains unchanged: changes to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait can only occur peacefully and on the basis of mutual agreement. An increase in tensions in the region will also impact German and European interests.” Rohde left it open whether Klingbeil would address the topic.
