(Deutsche Welle Chinese website) "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" commented that at a time when domestic affairs are under attack from both left and right, German Chancellor Mertz has shown outstanding leadership in the diplomatic field, which is particularly prominent in China policy. The commentary titled "China policy has undergone a turning point of the times" reads:
"In today's rapidly changing world, Chancellor Merz obviously wants to find a place for Germany in the camp of middle powers. But the problem is that domestic affairs and diplomacy are always intertwined: while Merz is firmly at the helm of foreign policy, the ship of domestic affairs is seriously leaking, and even he himself is in danger of being washed away at any time. Can this situation last long?
Despite this, Mertz not only continued to stick to his policy of supporting Ukraine, but even boldly opened a new line for China policy. The most representative one is his joint call with French President Macron for the EU to set up trade tools with China. Although the joint letter sent by the two did not mention China, the signal was very clear.
Germany realizes that it is time to take containment actions against the proliferation of cheap Chinese products in the EU market and China's unfair trade practices. Not only has Germany lost thousands of jobs, but its high dependence on China has reached a level that threatens national security. China's purpose is to use trade means to shape a new world order according to its own wishes. But this new order is against Germany's interests. Beijing's support for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is enough to illustrate this point. "
A commentary in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung pointed out that Merz's planned tough policy toward China is likely to trigger countermeasures from China: the situation of German companies in China may get worse, and Beijing may tighten rare earth exports again. By then, will Mertz still have enough support within the party?
"In terms of his aid to Ukraine policy, despite facing increasing criticism, Mertz has never changed his established position. Similarly, in terms of China policy, Mertz should also show courage and courage. Mertz certainly knows that when he calls for peace in Kyiv, this clear diplomatic stance will also win him political capital in domestic affairs. He is absolutely right to do so. Because, at this difficult moment, any German chancellor has to face not only the electorate, but also the entire world."
Will Merz’s new China policy convince Beijing?
The "turn of the times" in China policy that Prime Minister Merz quietly promoted has achieved unprecedented consensus within the ruling coalition and between the governments of Germany and France. So, can Beijing really be convinced by Berlin’s firm determination? The Business Daily commented:
“In the best case scenario, this will be the start of a long and difficult road to strengthen the ability of German and European industry to compete with China. For this road to be successful, we must take measures to increase Germany’s innovation vitality and strengthen the EU’s internal market. At the same time, we also need strong international partners to reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains and develop partnerships in future technologies.
To this end, Mertz will visit Japan and South Korea at the end of this month. Within the framework of the Bosch Foundation's 'Global Dialogue' project, ten federal parliamentarians will visit Canberra and Sydney. At the same time, Stefan Rouenhoff, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, will also travel to Australia to discuss cooperation matters. Australia plays a vital role in reducing dependence on China for key raw materials. The German government and parliament are working together to advance this goal.
However, if the new approach to China is to stand the test, it must first convince Beijing that Germany is willing to pay the price and will never back down at the first round of retaliation. To this end, Mertz's China policy needs strong support from German society. In view of this, those who support pragmatic policies towards China in order to protect German jobs should participate more in social discussions and communicate with trade unions.
Otherwise, the high ground of public opinion will be ceded to the AfD, the Sava Alliance and the Left Party. The above-mentioned parties all advocate a goodwill line towards Beijing and accuse Mertz of provoking a trade war with China. "
