The visit will not last more than 12 hours, zero covid policy obliges, but will not be less tense. Olaf Scholz will walk on eggshells for his trip to China on Friday November 4, the first by a European leader since 2019. Despite the many reviews,he German Chancellor has not changed his line and intends to extend diplomatic relations with Beijing, relations shaped by Angela Merckel’s 16 years in power (2005-2021).
Controversial trip
Spikes first came from its European allies, some of whom seek to distance themselves from China because of its proximity to Russia. They also point to threats against Taiwan and repression against the Uyghur minority. Criticism also came from within the Chancellor’s coalition itself, with warnings from his ministers. Robert Habeck, in the Economy, who asks for less naivety with regard to Beijing. Annalena Baerbock, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, warns against the risk of dependence on China, as was the case with Russia and its gas.
China, a less reliable partner, less frequentable for the West? Maybe, but not for Olaf Scholz, who has heard all these criticisms since he announced his trip at the end of October. The Chancellor went it alone and did not consider for a moment canceling his trip. Another controversial subject: the timing of this visit, which comes two weeks after the congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) during which XI Jinping was reappointed. The displacement of Olaf Scholz could then be perceived as a dubbing of the Chinese president.
An essential economic partner
To understand the Chancellor’s determination, it is necessary to recall the economic interests that Germany maintains with China. The Middle Kingdom is Berlin’s biggest trading partner. Olaf Scholz believes that it would be complicated for his country to do without these exchanges. More than 5,000 German companies have interests in China, including the main car manufacturers which export up to 40% of their production there, such as Volkswagen and are still expanding their presence.
The sectors concerned are multiple, from the industrialist Siemens to the manufacturer of chainsaws Stihl via the candy giant Haribo. As at the time of Angela Merkel, Olaf Scholz is accompanied by a delegation of industrialists including the boss of the chemical group BASF who has also called for an end to the “China bashing“, that is to say the repeated stings against China.
To silence the critics, Olaf Scholz assured that he will discuss all subjects, including the most controversial. But not sure he has time to address all these questions during this whirlwind trip. He will only stay there for 12 short hours.
