"Lars Klingbeil's trip is the first visit to China by a cabinet minister of the current German government, and the trip to Berlin's most important trading partner comes at a sensitive time. Chinese export controls, especially on rare earths, have highlighted the German economy's heavy dependence on China. The German automotive industry, for example, has felt the effects as it faces a shortage of important parts. The trip comes six months into the current government's term"
"Foreign Minister Johann Wadephulhad planned to travel to China at the end of October to address trade issues and other difficult topics, such as China's support for Russia in the war against Ukraine. His trip was supposed to prepare the ground for a visit by Chancellor Friedrich Merz. But the foreign minister canceled the trip at short notice when it became clear that he would not meet with any high-ranking interlocutors other than his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi."
"Previously, Wadephul had criticised China's Indo-Pacific policy as increasingly aggressive. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson had also criticized Germany's position on Taiwan, which Beijing sees as a renegade province, noting Wadephul's refusal to explicitly reject the island's independence activities. However, it remains unclear whether China's decision to confirm only one meeting was directly linked to Germany's stance on Taiwan. The Chinese were offended by the cancellation, but later stressed that they are still interested in an exchange with the German government."
Lars Klingbeil's trip marked the first China visit by a cabinet minister of the current German government and occurred during a sensitive period in bilateral relations. Chinese export controls, notably on rare earths, exposed Germany's heavy economic dependence on China and contributed to shortages in the German automotive supply chain. The visit came six months into the new government's term and was scheduled as part of the biennial "financial dialogue". Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul had planned a separate visit to address trade and geopolitical tensions but canceled after it became clear he would only meet Wang Yi. China expressed offense at that cancellation yet maintained interest in continued exchange. Vice Chancellor Klingbeil met Wang Huning, a close confidant of President Xi Jinping.
Read at www.dw.com
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