The outgoing chairman of the Munich Security Conference, Wolfgang Ischinger, has cautioned against public criticisms of China, sparking debate over the appropriate approach to managing relations with the global power. In an interview with “Welt am Sonntag” Ischinger underscored a core tenet of diplomacy: powerful nations are sensitive to public admonishments and that addressing concerns privately is often more effective.
His comments follow recent tensions stemming from Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s cancellation of a planned trip to Beijing. Wadephul had previously voiced concern over China’s tacit support for Russia’s war in Ukraine and its activities within the Indo-Pacific region. While Ischinger dismissed the cancellation as a “minor incident” the situation highlights a widening rift between Berlin and Beijing and raises questions about the efficacy of Germany’s current diplomatic strategy.
Ischinger asserted that Europe’s fragmented voice-effectively speaking with 27 separate voices-undermines its negotiating leverage, portraying the European Union in Beijing’s eyes as a collection of disparate entities rather than a unified bloc. He strongly urged the EU to forge a common strategic objective, arguing that Germany’s perceived leadership role within the Union is diminished by the lack of a clear, consistent European stance.
The former chairman also criticized the slow pace of efforts to reduce Germany’s dependence on Chinese markets and supply chains. He refuted simplistic narratives of demonizing China, explaining that reliance on Chinese goods and services initially stemmed from economic expediency – prioritizing affordability above all else. He stressed that the current focus should be on diversification, not a complete decoupling. He added that this recalibration necessitates both proactive corporate decisions and robust state intervention, particularly in strategically vital sectors like rare earth minerals.
The episode exposes a core challenge for Germany: balancing economic interests with growing geopolitical concerns surrounding China’s influence and alignment with regimes perceived as adversarial to Western values. The future of Germany’s China policy and the EU’s broader relationship with Beijing, hinges on a delicate navigation of these competing pressures.