‘If you kick the Chinese in the sh • Table.Briefings

Sigmar Gabriel was Germany’s foreign minister for many years. He is now chairman of the Atlantic Bridge.

In an interview with Stefan Braun and Michael Radunski, Sigmar Gabriel does not have one good word to say about his successor Annalena Baerbock. He also sharply criticizes how the German car industry is being treated: One must learn to firmly pursue one’s own interests politically – especially when it comes to a pillar of one’s prosperity. He sees China in a phase of weakness, which could lead to risks in foreign policy.

Mr Gabriel, Annalena Baerbock is adopting a new tone towards Beijing. Some say that frank words are finally being used. Others warn that this will achieve nothing. As a former foreign minister, what is your take on how we should behave towards China?

‘If you kick the Chinese in the shins from Monday to Friday like Mrs Baerbock, you won’t get far’

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