German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to lead a high-profile delegation to China from April 14 to 16, aiming to bolster bilateral trade and foster a sustainable, green economy partnership. This visit follows Scholz's recent meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden, highlighting Germany's balanced approach to international relations.
The delegation will include three cabinet ministers from the Green and Free Democratic Parties, representing Germany's coalition government. Notably absent are Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Economic Affairs Minister Robert Habeck, both from the Green Party, reflecting internal debates within the coalition on China's role in global economics.
During the visit, Scholz will tour a hydrogen engine factory in Chongqing and a green tech polymer manufacturer in Shanghai. These visits underline the joint commitment to climate and transformation dialogues, particularly around electrical and hydrogen mobility, which were agreed upon during the seventh China-Germany inter-governmental consultation in Berlin in June 2023.
The German delegation also features top corporate leaders, including the CEOs of Siemens, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Bayer, ThyssenKrupp, and Merck. Their participation underscores the strong ties between German industry and China, especially in emerging markets and technological innovation.
Germany's recent China strategy emphasizes reducing dependencies while maintaining strong economic ties, a stance shaped by the need to substitute natural gas imports from Russia. As geopolitical tensions continue, Germany seeks to position itself as a mediator, leveraging China's global influence to promote peace and stability.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
