Peter Felser, the chairman of the German-Chinese Parliamentary Group in the Bundestag (AfD), predicts that the outcomes of the US-China summit will significantly strain transatlantic relations. Speaking to the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung”, the AfD politician stated that the meeting will further weaken transatlantic unity. He added that geopolitically and economically, the Trump administration is likely to negotiate without regard for European interests, highlighting “the great danger that Trump will negotiate his own deals that run counter to European interests”. Consequently, he stressed that Europe and Germany must urgently identify and pursue their own strategic interests.
According to Felser, the summit clearly demonstrates a global shift toward multipolar interests. He argues that the negotiation is not one between “the West” and China, but rather the United States dealing directly with China. He notes that new global divisions based on interests and spheres of influence are already becoming visible. This makes it, in his view, even more vital for Germany and Europe to champion their own economic interests when dealing with Beijing. Addressing this point, Felser advised the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Katherina Reiche (CDU), to take into account the need to safeguard these national interests during her upcoming trip to China. He concluded by assessing the current situation, stating that, in his estimation, China remains very open and strongly interested in maintaining a positive relationship with Europe.