Pressure is mounting on German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil to adopt a more assertive stance regarding unfair Chinese trade practices during his ongoing visit to Beijing. Franziska Brantner, co-leader of the Green Party, has publicly urged Klingbeil to use his platform to demand reciprocal market access for European businesses and to challenge the influx of Chinese goods failing to meet European quality standards.
Brantner’s remarks highlight a growing tension within the German government regarding its China policy. While Klingbeil’s visit marks the first ministerial engagement with China from the current coalition government, Brantner believes the opportunity should be leveraged to establish firmer conditions. She emphasized the significant leverage Europe holds – with its market of 450 million consumers – suggesting that this economic weight should be linked to Beijing’s willingness to open its markets to European companies.
The Green Party leader specifically cited the explosive growth of online retailers like Temu and Shein as a direct threat to German businesses, arguing that the disparity in competitive landscape necessitates stronger government intervention. “Against dumping, there’s no getting around it” she stated, reflecting widespread concern within the German retail sector.
While Klingbeil has previously secured a commitment from Brussels to apply tariffs to packages under €150, Brantner criticized the implementation timeline, slated for 2028. She argued that this delay risks devastating the German retail sector before meaningful protection can be enacted.
Brantner’s call to action is a clear indication of the precarious balance the German government faces in navigating its relationship with China – balancing economic opportunity with the need to protect domestic industries and uphold European standards. The debate underscores a broader discussion whether Germany’s economic reliance on China is sustainable and necessitates a more pragmatic and strategically assertive approach.