Trade as a 'common ground' for German-Chinese relations despite political tensions? | DW News

During his visit to China, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke with the Chinese leadership at a time when economic and diplomatic relations between Europe and Beijing are increasingly strained.
Following a meeting between Scholz and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Li said that the two countries' economic interests remain closely intertwined. President Xi Jinping warned Scholz against protectionist economic measures, as the two countries are dependent on free trade. Last year, Germany developed a strategy to avoid becoming too dependent on China.
DW Special Correspondet Richard Walker is breaking down the key takeaways of Scholz's trip.
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#china #germany #trade

[@yte549]

Lol😂😂😂 then don't talk about democracy anymore.... Only intrest matters😂😂😂😂

[@happymelon7129]

Why not ? U$ use democracy to cover up all the doing... 😆Very good tool.

[@wj82liz]

of course, ideology is BS in front of state’s own interest….

[@miloshp7399]

Like they ever did.

[@andrewzhang2928]

USA: Come here！ Let's talk about the freedom and democracy!

[@fengkuangyu7116]

democracy? anti-China in fact. Have you ever express your support for the human right of Palestanine ppl in Gaza?

[@D_isco_D_ancer]

Germany didnt want to decouple from Russia either.

[@happymelon7129]

😅U$A is India's largest customer of oil products , made from Russia oil .

[@koushikdas1992]

​@@happymelon7129 USA has their own oil field. And USA buys oils from Middle East.

[@happymelon7129]

@@koushikdas1992 The US emerged as a top destination for refined petroleum products from India in November, much of it processed from Russian crude oil imported at a discount. According to data from the commerce ministry, Russia exported crude oil worth $3.08 billion in November to India, making it the second-largest exporter to India after Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, the US imported oil products worth $588 million in November, raising imports to the highest levels this fiscal. The US has imported $3.62 billion worth of petroleum products in the eight months to 30 November, a 23% increase from the previous year and the highest in the past five years. Portugal, Belgium, and Italy increased imports by 1,600, 535, and 17 times, respectively. The Netherlands, a hub for oil storage, imported 45% more petroleum products compared to October.

[@MudThought]

@@koushikdas1992 see the facts and you see who the real liar and hypocrite.

[@elajoanna6028]

Agree. I may add, it enboldened Russia.

[@Tdzzz450]

First Yellen, then Scholz.. who will be the next to beg? Macron? Sounds like USA got Germany by the neck and China got it by the balls 😂

[@maxhuang2254]

Macron will have to wait a little longer, as when French President Macron visited Beijing last year, China had already purchased 160 Airbus passenger planes.

[@Arvindchauhan-qv6gd]

⁠what??? China has archaic, stone age n primitive political system where a person like Xijingping an emperor for life can be selected.. that bizarre n unthinkable in modern times… I just can’t stop laughing 😆 to see that there no qualified person left in Pakistan to replace xijingping an emperor for life till he is dead 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@ssdhusg6042]

Italy

[@user-fz7iz5on1t]

actually,Macron has been there last year

[@liar-liar]

Hypocrisy can do wonders

[@willyang4487]

Noble hypocrisy

[@crazyqqq3]

China should just slap tariffs/export taxes on all exports to EU... that should satisfy EU's stupidity of not waiting cheap yet quality goods. lol

[@Arvindchauhan-qv6gd]

⁠what??? China has archaic, stone age n primitive political system where a person like Xijingping an emperor for life can be selected.. that bizarre n unthinkable in modern times… I just can’t stop laughing 😆 to see that there no qualified person left in Pakistan to replace xijingping an emperor for life till he is dead 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@henrychidera7865]

He went to china to beg

[@lcl-ce9vd]

Just bet on both ends.

[@mastertrend4685]

For ordinary Germany people, not himself.

[@ninersnation3298]

But the western media always make it sound like they are there to give lectures on gold standards and high moral and finger wagging.

[@PlaYer-sn5or]

After Yellen, Blinken is going to China.... To beg.

[@Ptolemy336VV]

@@PlaYer-sn5or And you know that how? You heard that from your Russian uncle? Meanwhile in reality noone is begging anything. If China would lose Europe and USA as trade partners, it will hurt Europe and USA, but it will hurt China much more in the end

[@BrianQuesta]

We tried this with Russia and look where it landed us

[@AlejandroPikoulasPlata]

Xi is more reliable than Putin.

[@donnerschwein]

Except China is actually a serious economic powerhouse

[@smallpeople172]

@@donnerschweinit doesn’t matter if they are or aren’t, the other things they are will always get in the way

[@h.c3804]

By it u mean USA?

[@donnerschwein]

@@smallpeople172 you seem to underestimate how much the west relies on China as our manufacturing hub. That's why Governments are focussing on India, which are more west leaning. But we're not there yet.

[@happymelon7129]

Neither can the U$ afford to stay out of China relationship, but it demand Europeans vassal to do it, analyst says.

[@dr.victorvs]

“We don't want to decouple from China. If they're anything like the Russians, they'll make me rich!”

[@carlanderson7618]

It worked for former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder. He became buddies with Vladimir Putin, and ended up being nominated to the board of Gazprom. Iam sure he is not hurting for money.

[@atherzaidi5871]

Just check the number of Mercedes sold in Chinas last year , its 600000 . One costs easily average of 50000 USD . Now multiply those two numbers . And then reflect on your comment .

[@carlanderson7618]

@@atherzaidi5871 How many of those were made in China?

[@atherzaidi5871]

@@carlanderson7618 irrelevant question , the profits flow to Germany whereever a German product is made are made . When ever a German kid poops in Pampers ,profits flow to US as Pampers are owned by P&G . Even if the pampers sold in Germany are made in Germany. US government gets a part of that money as they tax the profits made by P&G . P&G gived dividends to the shares listed in new york stock exchange and bonusses to executives working at US head quarters . Do you get my point ? The municipality od Stuttgart is a share holder of Benz motors . The quality of roads , schools, water supply etc in Stuttgart is supported by the Mercedes sold in china , irrespective of where it is made.

[@fupopanda]

@@atherzaidi5871 That's what the comment is getting at. You can't read?

[@PD55_]

Yes, we need China to help rebuild Nordstream 2.

[@tazinahmed7]

😂

[@shockwave2654]

Nope.

[@csjmb6193]

China will get it done in 10 days or less if Germany humble themselves.

[@enjayl.9681]

I suspect it's not going to be easy since the attitude of EU towards Russia eeer hostile? + The supply chain already developed.. Russia's oil to India.. To EU Russia's gas to France .. To UK 😁😁

[@maxhuang2254]

Useless, once rebuilt, the American father will do "that" again for the Germans to watch. But Germany can buy oil and natural gas from Russia through India or China to achieve energy source diversification, with prices even cheaper than those from the United States.

[@iggy5347]

Decouple with $ 18 trillions economy its doesnt make sense

[@jackylee2912]

nobody will do that

[@iggy5347]

@@jackylee2912 the US will

[@beautanner8409]

This is Germany's Neville Chamberlain moment... the irony is not lost on us.

[@david50665]

I think everything not warmongering is a Neville Chamberlain moment to you. I grant you are not alone...this asinine narrative to justify war has made the rounds and has a good soundbite quality to it. But in my opinion, Neville Chamberlain moment is the most tiresome, overused trope ever used to justify war. Using this logic, there will be no room for peace only steady escalation to war in any conflict. This is not the right choice for any sane person or humanity. Since the 1 time that it was pertinent, a more deliberate dispassionate analysis will show this has been an exception not the rule in the vast arc of history...the irony is not lost even if lives were. Think Iraq, Vietnam etc. .

[@MudThought]

It's easy to make this kind of comment when it is not your money on the line.

[@katong1953]

@beautanner. You don't know what you're talking about. The whole world know that Germany's 'Neville Chamberlain moment was when the empire blew up Nord Stream.

[@david50665]

Neville Chamberlain moment is a really good soundbite...but it is just a tiresome old trope to disparage peace efforts. The irony is not lost even if lives were... using this narrative which was true once as an exception to the rule... but not so in the vast arc of history, ie iraq, vietname etc....please do not think using this narrative to escalate in every conflict instead of seeking peace

[@umbrellastudio7481]

are you suggesting Germany should declare a war on China?

[@nashchance]

Beggars can't be choosers.

[@Ptolemy336VV]

This is exactly Russia. Russia is doing horrible. 1/3rd of it's economy is propped up and wartime economy. Where do you think this money comes from. This cant be maintained forever. Also. Russia replacing EU is impossible. And if you think China will be it's savior think again. China will not want most of Russia's products and IF they do, then Russia will never get that level of easy trade as with EU. russia will have to sell for far lower prices. And lastly. China itself is heavily dependent on natural resources. It's generating every year natural energy production. At some point Russia cannot even sell its gas to China. Sorry. But that;s the reality.

[@csjmb6193]

@@Ptolemy336VV you think EU is that important? sorry, not anymore. they are one sinking boat just like the US and Canada.

[@kamsunleong6648]

​@Ptolemy336VV Russia has more than just oil and gas. They recently signed a 12 year deal to export 70 million tons of grains, legumes, and oil seeds to China. This deal is worth potentially 26 billion dollars. Nothing can replace food requirements.

[@Ptolemy336VV]

@@kamsunleong6648 that is a fraction of its gas and oil revenues. And secondly. Russia loses much much more than the exports of gas and oil to EU, Europe. Let me ask you. Where does 85% of Russias population live. The answer is: close to Europe. So, whatever was exported to Europe, not only is lost, but much of the things China: A. produces itself, especially technology, so Russia wont be selling hardly anything to China tgat China isnt already producing, ajd on better quality and cheaper. And B. The easy trading positions that Russia has will *never* be as easy in China who will trade much more aggressively for lower prices. That 26 billion deal is a mere blip on the road. And worse its spread over many years

[@fatdoi003]

@@Ptolemy336VV russia also exports minerals to china too..... with capturing of ukarine, those exports will be much higher when the fields and mines are back online

[@dubsar]

The same thing was said about Russia over 10 years ago.

[@Ptolemy336VV]

Yeah. Russia is doing horrible. 1/3rd of it's economy is propped up and wartime economy. Where do you think this money comes from. This cant be maintained forever. Also. Russia replacing EU is impossible. And if you think China will be it's savior think again. China will not want most of Russia's products and IF they do, then Russia will never get that level of easy trade as with EU. russia will have to sell for far lower prices. And lastly. China itself is heavily dependent on natural resources. It's generating every year natural energy production. At some point Russia cannot even sell its gas to China. Sorry. But that;s the reality.

[@YongLi-np3wg]

So you are planning to expand NATO to Taiwan?

[@close_all_tabs]

@@YongLi-np3wg I think you can answer your your own question if you just tell us what "N.A.T.O." stands for.

[@TriggaTrey361]

@@YongLi-np3wg Hopefully, if it prevents bloodshed, if Ukraine were in NATO, Russia would have never invaded them.

[@tazinahmed7]

Oh this guest speaker 🤣🤣🤣🤣! He is talking as if China begged Scholz..... Scholz went to beg China so he cannot order them.

[@user-wq4yf5hk5g]

Nope, china invite scholz to reach a cooperation in business

[@tooltalk]

You mean like how Xi was on his knees begging for the US companies to return to China last November in San Francisco?

[@tazinahmed7]

@@user-wq4yf5hk5g Why did he accept????? Isn't he "SCREAMING" de-risking from China for the last couple of months????

[@katong1953]

@user-wq Scholz had to go to China. That tells you who's begging.

[@ragnarokws2670]

@@user-wq4yf5hk5g China didnt invite any leaders from the West+Europe cos they know what West+Europe want from them lol.

[@xrusous]

A smart move of the German Chancellor. PM Kishida has a lot to learn.

[@andrewzhang2928]

Kishida already decided to be a fighter,

[@niceguy76]

@@andrewzhang2928 Not a fighter. But a lapdog.

[@robhappe906]

Stick to the sanctions or lose it all

[@blahblah-yx7bl]

sactions is when you are bigger and richer...

[@mutkaluikkunen3926]

@@blahblah-yx7bl That's why they're on.

[@happymelon7129]

One side tells you to ban this and sanction that while ignoring your own interests. Another side tells you to seek common ground. So who is the real suppressor.

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

Just don't make the same mistake of becoming exclusively dependent on one very risky country/ government. And this dependency is a much more severe one!

[@happymelon7129]

@@JoseFerreira-zb7wh Putting all eggs in one basket(U$A) , is national security risk. Where U$ sell the LNG to Europe @4X price

[@happymelon7129]

Neither can the U$ afford to stay out of China relationship, but it demand Europeans vassal to do it, analyst says.

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

@@happymelon7129 are we talking about us or germany? I'm not talking about the us. It's bad for Germany to be so dependent on one single country being China or other. But right now because of geopolitical situation, China is even riskier. I mean this for Germany's own good. Nothing to do with the US. Russian gas also had nothing to do with the us.

[@Lululululee]

Oh god, this is only going to backfire. What’s up with germany?

[@robertjamesonmusic]

Seriously

[@atherzaidi5871]

As an Indian engineer working in Germany, I fully support the chancellor

[@adolft_official]

@@atherzaidi5871 thenks sirs keep the streets clean in inddia and wash left hand after wiping sh it

[@ntokozolugogo4762]

@@adolft_official 😂😂😂😂😂

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

Same old same old

[@Cryosxify]

economic suicide, everyone else is leaving for a reason

[@6haha]

😂you just leave , no one asks you to stay. Why do so hard to yourself?😂

[@csjmb6193]

part of the game, losers need to leave. don't come back if you got nothing to offer. 😁

[@Cryosxify]

@@csjmb6193 you wumao running counter to ccp messaging 🤣

[@CurrentUpdate124_.]

Who’s leaving? Are you blind? All these countries that call them self g7 are trading heavily with china

[@Unclesam404]

Who left ? 😂 guess only the CIA left

[@masonhancock5350]

Russia: China

[@jerrellholder8382]

Everything is russia..go do your business stop mentioning russia...when russia goes to China they don't talk about German..you know russia was basically giving u free gas and u betray them to pay more from murika

[@quantum9571]

Orange: Apple

[@fatdoi003]

ying and yang

[@chengavitch10]

To stop too dependent on US weapons, Germany should stark de-risking from it.

[@harriemeeuwis978]

If he wants to convince the Chinese that their cooperation with Russia is hurting European interests it would be nice for once to have somebody clearly stating what interests are hurt exactly. And do they differ from US interests. I guess they don't know. All they seem to know is they're in a war mood and it has it's own momentum.

[@happymelon7129]

😅U$A is India's largest customer of oil products , made from Russia oil .

[@close_all_tabs]

@@happymelon7129 And? Good for India. Bad for Russia.

[@fingerprint8479]

The Germans are confusing Washington's wishes pressed down their throat with viability! 😂😂😂😂😂

[@abrahamlevi3556]

Who will be the next Gerhart Schroeder?

[@CherryDom]

China：Cooperation, trade, economy Germany：Democracy, freedom, Russia China：I seem to see another America😂😂

[@nsebast]

That's what we call a vassal country.

[@mutkaluikkunen3926]

Also China: corporate espionage and cyber attacks, infringement of IP rights, blatantly stealing and copying technology from your "partners" as a base for your own products, mindlessly competition twisting subsidies to push the prices low etc.

[@lwmtx6156]

One sided opinion from DW as usual. German companies rely heavily on Chinese market. If they exit, the Chinese market would be taken over by local. Why the plane full of company heads do not do that?!

[@fatdoi003]

it's last grasp for german companies to be relevant in global stage to make german products in china with cheaper labour and energy

[@maxhuang2254]

The Voice of Germany, Baerbock and von der Leyen's employer are the same.

[@williexlou]

China has so much trade barriers, Germany doesn’t stand a chance against Chinese local firms.

[@Arvindchauhan-qv6gd]

⁠what??? China has archaic, stone age n primitive political system where a person like Xijingping an emperor for life can be selected.. that bizarre n unthinkable in modern times… I just can’t stop laughing 😆 to see that there no qualified person left in Pakistan to replace xijingping an emperor for life till he is dead 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@mutkaluikkunen3926]

I have a feeling China is more reliant on western markets than west is on Chinese markets.

[@seowlingwee4693]

No China, no Germany. As simple as that.

[@bg24955]

In 2023 Mercedes-Benz sold 2.04 million cars worldwide including 737,000 in China and 298,000 in the US. Cheapskate says Germany is over depending on China and China oversuppling. They can’t afford neither.

[@antekasic2732]

Unfortunately for me and all EU citizens, Germany is cut off from cheap energy sources (Russia) and the large Chinese and Asian markets in general. The German auto industry was destroyed. Too late Chancellor. You're either putting on a show or you're really naive.

[@JackIsNotInTheBox]

It really depends on whether Germans are willing to pay more for products. Put money where your mouth is and this can be done.

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

If they could only put the same effort in making the EU a major power they wouldn't have to put themselves in this position. Or even simpler, invest in other countries. Just don't put all the eggs in the same basket. Again! Specially when it seems the basket is about to break. A lot of brands are investing in India for example. I wouldn't it's the best example on practicing what you preach, but definitely less risky than China and most of all a lot less risky that almost only China.

[@wj82liz]

China has its own national interest that may not favor Germany’s national interest. just like other way around, what’s the problem then? why not focusing on making money and keeping your customers happy? Germany needs China more than how China needs Germany…

[@MH-pz8wf]

China has become Germany's greatest competitor. You are raising an enemy for yourself.

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

😂 I'm getting deja vu from 10 years ago, when Putin was Gandhi.

[@koushikdas1992]

Then why are criticising India over Russia!? Why the double standard? Why don't you apply that logic on Russia?

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

@@koushikdas1992 not to be taken literally. I mean it ironically/ sarcastically. Putin was already what he is today but seems like to Germany and most of the western countrys he was a very peaceful guy (so i called it Gandhi)

[@wimbletone1]

There can be no decupling from China even if everyone wants this it would take 15 years and prices would be atleast double ir more because China has all the factories and raw materials ....eest onky has customers ... West gave up years back making its own factories and materials

[@Dragon-Headed-Caterpillar]

"We don not want to decouple with ..." Translation: "We beg you to please to help us!".

[@kaimingraymondchoi9909]

Why didn't the reporter asked Olaf what would German do if Iran bombed their ambassy?

[@alvinseah5423]

What did China do when US bomb their embassy?

[@tahneetran1471]

Smart leader because he understands the importance of growth and needs to know where each country has to compromise.

[@user-pz6ls4uk8k]

В Германии нет и не будет дешёвого российского газа. Товары из Германии потеряли качество и очень дороги они никому не нужны. Большие затраты на социальные нужды приведут к катастрофе. Вас ждёт голод и хаос

[@user-ss6zt7ht3x]

The consumer decision you focus on quality and advert

[@jayzhang7527]

Don't overestimate the risk. Everyone should be living with risks!

[@rajendrajungthapa3689]

You talk about European security. What about other security Mr

[@J-Piccolo]

Strategic move Chancellor: derisking not decoupling

[@user_thelongwayaround]

Probably German should import more Chinese ev since you don’t want decoupling

[@close_all_tabs]

Germany needs to solve its energy crisis and build charging stations first - before they can think about buying EVs.

[@davidwang2986]

He advised German automakers not to become overly reliant on the Chinese market. I hope that the German executives take him seriously. They should maintain car manufacturing overcapacity for the German market while giving Chinese automakers some room to grow.

[@manasmishra8945]

Germany can do business in democratic countries such as Brazil Australia South Africa japan Phillipines India Indonesia Argentina etc

[@eddastrohmayer251]

Tell that the big enterprises... And tell that the consumers who want cheap products ...

[@gaborrajnai6213]

As well as China...

[@santostv.]

They don’t have the supply chain on lockdown and neither the high skilled manufacturing knowledge workers.

[@atherzaidi5871]

Number of Mercedes sold in India in 2023 : 2000 , number of Mercedes sold in China in 2023 : 600000 . All the countries you mentioned above do not match the number sold in just China . Plus Germyn trades very happily with other non Democratic countries like UAE , Saudi Arabia etc . Just sold 40 Billion worth of Eurofighters to Saudi . So why not trade with China ?

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

​@@eddastrohmayer251it's not just consumers who want cheap goods. That happens because salaries don't keep up with increased living costs. If salaries were fair, people would be able to buy more expensive products.

[@troy66777]

Scholz needs to go ASAP

[@ongsengfook]

No problem. Many suppliers can replace G7 and allies. When German companies make tons of money, nobody complains.

[@kevinl7173]

Germany lost lots of businesses in the last few years due to inexperienced politicians.

[@marktrinidad7650]

Nah you are decoupling. You're not saying it because German brands wouldnt be able to sell on the biggest market in the world. I think decoupling is good for the west and global south. The west get to keep their products, their industry and therefore their economy.

[@dinnerwaltz]

President von der Leyen: "This international and economic status - as well as our own interests - make it all the more important for Europe to manage its relations with China. For me, that also shows that decoupling is clearly not viable, desirable or even practical for Europe."--at the European Parliament Plenary

[@samsungtap4183]

China has produced a new EV that has the similar performance as the Porcha and looks as good $30.000 as compared to $120.000

[@rebeltheharem7028]

Well, it is basically a copy of the Taycan 4, except with the worst quality, in every way, based on most user reviews. But hey, if you can't buy the real thing, you can just buy the cheap copy. China's been doing that for years. You get what you pay for and all that.

[@Infernal_Elf]

Ever heard the phrase if its to good to be true its usually is?

[@blahblah-yx7bl]

@@rebeltheharem7028 taycan has less to offer compare with the xiao mi. typical overrated made in germany thing

[@maxhuang2254]

@@rebeltheharem7028 Poor quality? You've been brainwashed.

[@ANIMALS_AND_MORE_moments]

When German companies will buy parts of China's harbours and other infrastructure?

[@temper44]

Germany has had colonies in China before.

[@MH-pz8wf]

No, Germany sell its harbours and infrastructure plus technologies to China.

[@ANIMALS_AND_MORE_moments]

@@zhenlancheng424 buying another country's infrastructure is about control - not export. That's why China tries and is buying infrastructure everywhere- but can any country buy theirs? No.

[@ANIMALS_AND_MORE_moments]

​@@zhenlancheng424nor our fault that less and less Chinese can afford these cars. And now let's stop the trolling.

[@blahblah-yx7bl]

@@temper44 by force

[@coreana.aesthetics]

Germany has changed their wording on Germany-China relation faster than the speed of light. 😅

[@boBo-gn9rt]

是谁炸了北溪二号？

[@detectiveofmoneypolitics]

Economic investigator Frank G Melbourne Australia is following this informative content cheers Frank

[@matrohmat5249]

Master Yankee didn't like it

[@marca7542]

So Germany didn’t learn from their experience with Russia?!

[@csjmb6193]

So Germany didn’t learn from their experience with America?! Tips: to be America's friend is fatal" former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.

[@happymelon7129]

Germany learn from Nstream b00mb by the empire

[@bakenglee331]

Win win for both country.

[@eltonbritt1502]

There will always be bickering between countries with differing interests. There must atleast be some common grounds where nations can cooperate. Economic trade is one of those.

[@MaeAustria-dl2ql]

The spineless Olaf Chamberlain again 😂

[@eddastrohmayer251]

Scholz is a prudent man. No need for any wars - neither economic or real ones!

[@jerrellholder8382]

Can't you see usa is stagnating no real development only money printing to grow the economy...what's new iPhone 17??what the usa have to offer other than f35 and patriot?tell them build a bridge or an airport or high-speed rail in south America bet they wont😂

[@redwine2664]

and a coward too.

[@eddastrohmayer251]

@@redwine2664 I know, alcohol makes "brave" - too much red wine drunken ?

[@redwine2664]

@@eddastrohmayer251 I do not drink beer, which AOof likes, I am sure. I prefer Vodka.

[@mrbigolnuts3041]

"we value money more than European security.....every man for himself!"

[@nenadmilosevic5162]

when u eventually see that u can't stop the progress of 1.5 billion people

[@TheRealBlueValhalla]

Progress of Xi only

[@jerrellholder8382]

True😂😂

[@arnaudpayet6173]

Soon to be 750 millions though

[@Admiral-General_Aladeen]

The population collapse would do that because that means hundreds of millions of old people.

[@TheRealBlueValhalla]

Only top guy gets to progress

[@yongbinsong9676]

Surely, Germany is in a big trouble as he emphasized not to decouple, but China outsmarts Germany in dealing with trade issues. Export diversification is the only way for Germany to survive without China and Russia.

[@user-xd7zk1pw5y]

Can't help feeling Scholz is on the books

[@LeePierre]

I believe there are just very few western politicians who understand China and how to cope with China. Is Olaf one of those?

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

No. Germany has become completely dependent on China economically, that's why. Just like they did with russia energetically.

[@blahblah-yx7bl]

@@JoseFerreira-zb7wh done with russia already?? want to add China in the enmey list ??

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

@@blahblah-yx7bl ?

[@maxhuang2254]

As long as there is no interference in China's internal affairs, China is definitely a great business partner. Why is it so difficult for Western countries to 'not interfere in China's internal affairs'?

[@LeePierre]

@@maxhuang2254 i guess the answer for your question is quite complex and not easy at all in a globalized world where each country is dependent on each other

[@NorCalMoDo]

Watching richard walker’s work in the last few years, you can tell he is pro Taiwan independence. So, asking him about China, you would only hear the negatives. He is more Anglo-American than German.

[@TheKkpop1]

Germany has lost many of its leading industry like BASF which get cheap oil from Russia and remanufacturing its petrol chemical to the whole europe. Scholz has finally realized China has strong influence on Russia to end the Ukraine war. The longer the war Germany will suffer. No wonder it has become the sick man of Europe. On the other hand China can assure "strong accountability and protection" to Germany manufacturing in China. Unlike US, China will not simply sanction, penalise and jail Alstom CEO, penalty to Duest Bank or VW.

[@sockhal4595]

What must be done for Germany to understand that you must not help dictatorship to gain power and influence over the world ?

[@Admiral-General_Aladeen]

Long term thinking about security instead of what is the cheapest in that moment. Thats the reason why the german military is in such a bad state too or the german railway systen or the dependence on Russian gas or why germany sold parts of it's harbours to china. Btw lots of german politicians want to use russian gas again because it's cheaper and im sure Russia would never use this to it's advantage.

[@dr.victorvs]

​@@Admiral-General_Aladeen If they weren't getting cushy jobs in Russian state companies I'd maybe believe it was only because it's cheaper.

[@onepuchok5789]

U mean USA?

[@Admiral-General_Aladeen]

​@@dr.victorvsThats also true. Funnily enough the most right and left wing of the mainstream parties are both pretty pro russian.

[@atherzaidi5871]

It is not Germany's duty to stop China's rise. It is Germany's duty to export as much of German products from Porsche, BMW, Bosch, Siemens etc to China. Germany shares no border with China and has no dispute. Germany is in American occupation. The Russian forces that entered Germany after ww2 left. But the American force, just changed the signboard in from of their bases from occupying force to "allied force". So rise of China as a balancing or countering force to American hegemony is not a entirely bad thing for Germany. Poor Chinese are of no use to German industry. Rich Chinese buy German products. Even small German pencil maker like Faber Castle, depends on Chinese market. US can impose sanctions as US domestic market is HUGE. Germany needs exports. Also US can leave its hundreds of millions in poverty. Germany has a universal health care, universal old age care and German universities charge no tuition fees. Every child gets money from the government, every old person, homeless person gets money from the government. This social structure will not survive without exports. US, UK, France can be political allies but they are economic competetors. US makes almost everything which Germany makes. The biggest BMW plant is in US. Chinese need German products, which are atleast 10 years ahead in quality.

[@RedEyeFish1]

We don't want to decouple we just want to re=align....Same thing as we not layoff we are just downsizing...

[@summer031977]

It seems like Germany didn't learn anything from depending on cheap Russian oil. Now, Germany is addicted to the Chinese market. What will Germany businesses do if China invades Taiwan? This is the problem with export driven economies.

[@kamsunleong6648]

Not just Germsny but many others. Prime example is Australia. Talks tough but totally dependent on the hand that feeds them and made them rich. If you follow the commodity market you will know their biggest fear is China diversifying their sources of iron ore purchases to other countries.

[@dwightronaldlinks6627]

It is funny how Scholtz is saying attack of Iran and not retaliation of Iran. And even DW is implying that Iran started this latest standoff. My goodness beyond levels!!

[@achangyw]

Yes, how about the the high speed rail wheels that I read about on Germany not willing to TRADE with China on those high tech wheels? Is this just for show or what , a rhetoric on not decoupling and common trade grounds?

[@WSOJ3]

Is it called free trade or is it called overcapacity? 🤔🤷‍♂️😂

[@MH-pz8wf]

Russia then, China now! Never learn: insist being naive + shortsighted + ignorant

[@csjmb6193]

German never learnt: It may be dangerous to be America's enemy, but to be America's friend is fatal" former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. = insist being naive + shortsighted + ignorant 😆😂😂

[@windsong3wong828]

Chinese love Merc, BMW, LVMH and ors. I bought a pair of German speakers manufactured in China at half the price of those manufactured in EU. EU must be braindead to decouple from China.

[@20luzer52]

Begging tend to be more effective without excessive pride.

[@carlanderson7618]

"We don't want to decouple from China" because we are not too bright.

[@homosexualaliens]

High coupling and dependency on a country is as safe as the level of shared values, common ideas and aspirations. This, as did russian dependency, will bite Germany in the balls.

[@justyjust]

Didn’t Germany learn there lesson from relying Russia

[@AzrenKaleBolles-Pohja]

This Man has No Backbone.

[@wynetsang]

Germany does not want to be in a risky coupling situation. A partner that is obey and comply.

[@elajoanna6028]

Germany is speaking with both sides of its mouth.

[@husel7748]

Traffic light is done.

[@artursbondars7789]

German trading mistake 2.0, like with Russia?

[@YourHome-kt1ct]

but you already chased out china

[@TheJazzMatt]

What will big brother say?

[@gaborrajnai6213]

Still not Europe's problem.

[@matthiasfreiburghaus4202]

Scholz inisting on reapeating the same mistakes over and over again. This guy is such a liability to europe, Orban pales in comparison.

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

It's not Scholtz, it's Germany.

[@jkdm27]

Germany wants to decouple and put tariffs on

[@BrandyHeng007]

Doesn't make sense. Germany obey US-NATO foreign policies. Why didn't confront Nord perpetrator ? Why decouple from cheap pipeline Russian gas...Oxymoron 😅

[@aminulhaqueshafin1603]

Unprovok attack 😅😅😅 the Words of a leder who sold his dignity 😅😅

[@OliverNorth9729]

Play in 1.5x speed

[@imadkhaliq2941]

The USA vassal state just broke away from it and has made an independent decision (right decision) for the first time. Congratulations to Germany on its independence. Germany should also have taken a stand on importing cheap natural gas from Russia.

[@tabithan2978]

The German people would vote his butt out of office in a heartbeat if he didn’t stop funding this bloody war of aggression in Ukraine.

[@user-el3nu7qp1t]

Use soft measures at the port to stifle imports. A well known page from China's book.

[@weisong4402]

Has Germany asked the United States? Americans are very angry.

[@electrolytics]

Is that why he's in China? Is he asking the US while he's kissing butt in China?

[@bob3031000]

​@@electrolyticsthis guy is trying to defend his peoples Bad decisions. 👎

[@PlaYer-sn5or]

After Yellen, Blinken is going to China.... To beg.

[@yu-jd5jg]

The most important question is can Germany be independent from the dictates of its Master in Washington with US military bases in the country since losing WW2?

[@Squirtle-xm6bi]

Again, everything could lie but money not.🤣🤣🤣

[@darareachphon]

Please don't hammer me.

[@tabithan2978]

Germany needs the cheap Russian gas arriving in China from Russia for their manufacturing plants. 🤷‍♀️

[@Ptolemy336VV]

Russia is doing horrible. 1/3rd of it's economy is propped up and wartime economy. Where do you think this money comes from. This cant be maintained forever. Also. Russia replacing EU is impossible. And if you think China will be it's savior think again. China will not want most of Russia's products and IF they do, then Russia will never get that level of easy trade as with EU. russia will have to sell for far lower prices. And lastly. China itself is heavily dependent on natural resources. It's generating every year natural energy production. At some point Russia cannot even sell its gas to China. Sorry. But that;s the reality.

[@happymelon7129]

😆U$A is India's largest customer of oil products , made from Russia oil .

[@enjayl.9681]

@@Ptolemy336VV I think u overlook something.. Those business formerly own by Europeans Americans transfered to local. The number 1 car sales now is local. Infrastructure investment from China becomes easier. Agricultural products expansion . Eg. Pork, milk, meat etc Natural gas + forest industry.. Ports,+other new areas of cooperation

[@Ptolemy336VV]

@@enjayl.9681 "transferred", you mean confiscated. It doesnt change all the points I made. And I obliterated that lie of yours in the other comment section with tbe actual list of largest Chinese export partners. Which wiped out your purposed idea that BRICS etc were the largest group when its way way smaller. As 55% of Chinese exports are to mostly Western or free nations. And even the remaining 45% is shared over the rest of the world, many pf which arent BRICS or Chinese oriented or anything. Just trading among nations

[@enjayl.9681]

@@Ptolemy336VV actually it bothers me little.. Germany's electricity usage consumption went back 40 yrs earlier. For China, besides military + food related as a manufacturer requires large amount of energy , raw materials. I think the importance of Russia to China is far more than.Germany. + Russia found a new market to replace Europe. India, China, BRICS etc. Germany???

[@Vidalin11]

Is Germany a sovereign country or a US puppet???

[@simonkristensson3077]

Russian/Chinese pup

[@eddastrohmayer251]

Funny, your opposite answers ! It shows that Scholz is a prudent man !🙂

[@MH-pz8wf]

Germany is a puppet of China soon. Congrats!

[@maxhuang2254]

After Germany's bronchus is cut off by the United States, it dares not blame the United States.

[@mutkaluikkunen3926]

Lets see even one example on these US puppet claims? ruzzia on the other hand _IS_ China's puppet. Remember when putler used to threaten every week with some sort of nuclear attack? One day Xi had enough and told him to stop clowning around with the nuke threats. putler being a good boy obeyed because he knows China has ruzzia in it's pocket and putler will be a good boy and do whatever China tells him to do.

[@jimlopez5992]

de-risk from us.

[@GreenAppelPie]

What’s wrong with decoupling?

[@tlll8590]

The return under their table.

[@Do-not-be-sheep]

Nothing and it has nothing but upside potential. So when politicians don't take the obvious path that is in the best interest of their constituents - ask yourself WHY?

[@atherzaidi5871]

Customer is king. If you had a machine tools shop and your biggest customers were Chinese, would you reduce business with them because they pick up fight with other Chinese (Taiwanese)?

[@Do-not-be-sheep]

@@atherzaidi5871 if you were moral and ethical you would. Or if you understood that your business was enabling china to attack other nations like taiwan. But your scenario is purely hypothetical because China would only buy once from a tool shop outside China. Then they would steal the design and put the company out of business. This is why you do not to business with china

[@leothebear4842]

Lesser goods supply to the country and further inflation.

[@dinnerwaltz]

Elon Musk said something similar: “The Chinese economy and the rest of the global economy are like conjoined twins. It would be like trying to separate conjoined twins. That’s the severity of the situation. And it’s actually worse for a lot of other companies that it is for Tesla. I mean, I’m not sure where you’re going to get an iPhone, for example.”--CNBC Smart entrepreneurs and politicians know the importance of China