For Germany, China Is A Rival And Partner

Platz der Republik, Berlin, Germany/ILLUSTRATION/UNSPLASH/Maheshkumar Painam

JAKARTA - Germany views China as a partner, competitor, as well as a'systemic rival', and Berlin must reduce the risk of economic dependence on Beijing, said the German Ambassador to Indonesia Ina Lepel.

In a media meeting, Lepel said in a strategy against China, Berlin still needed China to work together to face various global challenges such as climate change.

China is the largest CO2 producer, and at the same time, the largest producer of renewable energy. Cooperation with China is very important to solve the global climate crisis," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, July 25.

The German government has adopted a national strategy in dealing with China which is the official recognition of relations between China, Germany and the European Union has changed.

The 61-page document was approved by Chancellor Olaf Scholz's cabinet and introduced to the public last July 13. The document states "China has changed, and as a result Germany needs to adjust its approach".

The strategy is also a guideline for business actors and associations, companies, trade unions in dealing with China to reduce trade dependence on its largest economic partner.

The strategy against China has also made Germany remain in good relations with Taiwan which Beijing claims as its territory, but adheres to the One China Policy.

The status quo of the Taiwan Strait can only be changed in a peaceful and mutual agreement, reads the document.