Sharper tone finds approval in Brussels

In its first China strategy paper, the German government addresses the problems in its relations with Beijing more clearly than before. At the same time, it pledges to coordinate closely with EU partners. Both aspects are well received in Brussels.

During Chancellor Angela Merkel’s time, the German government was seen in Brussels as too friendly towards Beijing. With its China strategy paper published on Thursday, Berlin is at least on paper shifting towards the hawkish camp: De-risking is „urgently needed“, writes the German government, aligning itself with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

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