The chief executive of the BDI, Tanja Gönner, called for increased transparency and reliability in China’s export‑control regime and urged a reduction of German dependence on the country. “We must cut our dependencies” she said in the Berlin‑Playbook podcast on Tuesday.
Gönner described China as “a competitor, a systemic rival and also a partner”. If she had to pick one label, she would choose competitor, because Germany does not shy away from competition. Still, over recent years China has become a crucial supplier of many raw materials, a position that challenges Germany.
Regarding “de‑risking” Gönner said it is a modern imperative. Export controls on rare earths and permanent magnets threaten European economic security, and China is aware of the leverage it holds. Germany must therefore do its own “homework” reduce its exposures, and at the same time remain in constructive dialogue with China. Much of this is a question of balance.
She evaluated German investment in China with nuance. The key question is “local for local” – which country supplies which market. Even with investments in other Asian economies, China’s market remains “extremely large” and innovation‑driven.
Gönner urged the German chancellor to send a clear signal that Germany and Europe will present their strategic interests jointly, following a de‑risking strategy while pursuing constructive economic cooperation. Concrete disputes-such as competition distortions and export controls on critical raw materials-need to be raised openly, preferably behind closed doors, and agreements must be implemented with transparent licensing procedures.