Germany’s first national security strategy labels China as a “partner, competitor, and systemic rival,” citing Beijing’s actions against German interests in reshaping the global order.
Germany on Wednesday called China a “partner, competitor and systemic rival” in its first national security strategy, accusing Beijing of repeatedly acting against the European giant’s interests in a bid to reshape the global order.
The document by Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition slammed China for putting regional stability and international security “under increasing pressure” and disregarding human rights.
Publication of the much-awaited strategy blueprint came just days before Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang was due to visit Berlin.
Asked what message the document sent to Beijing, Scholz told a press conference, “the point is that China will continue to grow economically and that China’s integration into world trade and economic relations should not be impaired.”
“But at the same time, the security issues that arise for us must be taken into account,” he said, adding that Germany “doesn’t want to decouple; we want to de-risk.”
Drawn up under the lead of the foreign ministry, the strategy document covers defense pledges such as the NATO two-percent spending vow, supply chain security, and cyberattacks.
Russia’s war has also prompted Berlin to accelerate plans to reduce its reliance on China after the coronavirus pandemic acted as a wake-up call on the risks of depending on the Asian giant for health essentials like surgical gowns, masks, or medication.
But Germany’s export giants have expressed concerns over the shift away from China, fearful of alienating the huge market.
Miroslava Salazar with AFP
