The head of Germany’s automotive industry association, Hildegard Müller, has urged closer collaboration between Germany and Europe with China, a call that has sparked a fierce debate within the country’s political landscape. Müller, in an interview with the “Rheinische Post”, emphasized the necessity of maintaining a “permanent and constructive dialogue” with Beijing, particularly in light of Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s upcoming visit to the People’s Republic.
Müller highlighted the vast potential for beneficial cooperation, stressing that personal meetings and intensive exchanges – even during challenging times – are crucial. She specifically cited ongoing concerns over supply chain vulnerabilities, including restrictions on rare earth elements and chip shortages exacerbated by the recent Nexperia crisis, as prompting the need for long-term solutions ensuring supply security. However, the VDA president also cautioned that a level playing field and fair competitive conditions must be guaranteed on both sides, noting a growing imbalance which needs to be addressed.
The call for engagement hasn’t been universally embraced. Members of the Green Party have voiced strong reservations about Foreign Minister Wadephul’s approach, warning him to resist the allure of short-term economic gains and avoid repeating past mistakes made with Russia – namely, creating dangerous dependencies through shortsighted economic policies. Deborah Düring, the Green Party’s spokesperson for foreign policy, accused the government of potentially jeopardizing national security and urged Wadephul to confront sensitive issues, including China’s human rights record.
Similarly, the SPD’s foreign policy spokesperson, Adis Ahmetovic, echoed the concerns about a potentially uncritical stance, stressing the need for a “clear, but robust dialogue on equal terms”. He warned against creating new dependencies, particularly in strategic areas like rare earth elements, lest they become tools for political leverage. “Cooperation is vital” Ahmetovic stated, “but not at the expense of fostering new vulnerabilities.
Minister Wadephul’s trip, initially postponed in October due to a perceived lack of substance in the offered itinerary, underscores the underlying complexities and tensions surrounding Germany’s relationship with China. The visit now becomes a critical test of Germany’s ability to balance economic interests with geopolitical realities and to navigate the delicate balance between engagement and critical scrutiny.