German Chancellor Olaf Scholz concluded his pivotal three-day visit to the Chinese mainland on Tuesday, marking a significant step in strengthening Germany-China ties. During his stay, Scholz engaged in high-level discussions with President Xi Jinping in Beijing, aiming to enhance economic cooperation and address complex geopolitical challenges.
Alongside his meetings in Beijing, Chancellor Scholz visited key cities like Shanghai and Chongqing, where he met with leaders from major German companies such as Bosch and Covestro. These visits highlighted Germany's commitment to innovation and sustainable industrial production. Bosch Powertrain Systems announced a joint venture with Qingling Motors, a premium commercial vehicle manufacturer, while Covestro emphasized its role in developing sustainable alternatives to fossil raw materials through its polymer manufacturing expertise.
Berthold Kuhn, an international cooperation advisor and adjunct professor at Freie Universität Berlin, shared his insights on the visit's implications. He noted that the trip underscores both nations' dedication to economic development and the full recovery of bilateral relations post-pandemic. Kuhn emphasized the importance of balancing sensitive political issues with the promotion of economic and technical collaboration.
Chancellor Scholz's visit to Tongji University in Shanghai further cemented the educational and scientific cooperation between Germany and the Chinese mainland. Engaging with students and academic leaders, Scholz highlighted the significance of people-to-people and student exchanges in revitalizing China-Germany relations.
The economic dimension of the visit was underscored by the presence of a large business delegation. Germany continues to see China as a vital market for its high-quality products, including vehicles and machinery. However, challenges remain, particularly in the competitive electric vehicle market where Chinese brands are rapidly gaining ground. Kuhn pointed out that fair competition and access to the Chinese market are crucial for German industries to thrive.
Climate change and sustainability emerged as key areas for potential cooperation. Germany's strategy emphasizes collaboration with China on climate action, with initiatives like the climate dialogue and the International Climate Initiative (IKI) supporting joint projects. Kuhn highlighted the importance of reducing costs in renewable energy to facilitate the energy transition in Europe and beyond.
Overall, Chancellor Scholz's visit is seen as a promising development for Germany-China relations, paving the way for enhanced cooperation and mutual growth in various sectors.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
