The German Bundestag is poised to establish a high-level expert commission tasked with scrutinizing the nation’s critical economic ties with China, a move signaling a deepening reassessment of the relationship amid rising geopolitical tensions. According to reporting by “Politico”, the commission’s formation underscores mounting concerns regarding Germany’s reliance on China across key sectors and potential national security vulnerabilities.
The initiative, detailed in a parliamentary motion, directs the commission to comprehensively evaluate German dependence on China, specifically focusing on supply chains related to energy and raw material imports, as well as economically and strategically significant technologies. The scope extends beyond mere volume, encompassing a detailed analysis of export controls, investment activities and the efficacy of existing regulatory frameworks.
Crucially, the body is mandated to examine the strategies employed by other nations – singling out Japan as a benchmark – in navigating their own economic relations with Beijing. This comparative analysis is intended to inform potential ‘de-risking’ strategies, acknowledging the complex challenges involved in reducing dependence while maintaining trade and investment flows. The commission will also investigate the risks associated with collaborative research endeavors, a crucial area given Germany’s significant investment in joint scientific projects.
The commission’s composition, consisting of twelve experts drawn from diverse backgrounds including industry associations, research institutes and labor unions, is designed to ensure a balanced and multifaceted perspective. It is expected to produce annual reports detailing its findings and corresponding policy recommendations for the Bundestag, alongside semi-annual briefings to the parliamentary Committee on Economic Affairs.
While proponents argue the commission is a necessary step to safeguard German economic and national security, critics question the potential for politicization and the practical feasibility of implementing significant de-risking measures given the entrenched nature of German-Chinese trade. The move is likely to fuel ongoing debate regarding Germany’s foreign policy strategy and its relationship with a nation increasingly viewed with suspicion by its allies. The commission’s first reports will be keenly awaited for insights and potential shifts in policy direction.