German Prime Minister Shulz promised when he took office in 2021 that his government would change the relationship between Germany and China and get rid of economic dependence.Three years later, remarks about reducing China's dependence were replaced by the call for foreign companies to enter the Chinese market.
This strategy has disagreed with many of its closest allies, including the United States and other European countries. These countries hope to see that China has recently reduced exports in the field of green energy (including electric vehicles).US Treasury Minister Yellen once talked about trade restrictions on China.
Several chief executives headquartered in Germany's leading multinational company followed Schilde's three -day trip to China, including a meeting with high -level China in Beijing on Tuesday.The leaders of these companies managed a large number of business in China. Not only did they eager to maintain these businesses, but they also wanted to expand in many cases.
This allows Shulz to face a delicate balance problem, which must not only meet the demand for export -oriented of the country's economy, but also meet the pressure from the allies in order to use the status of its country to make requests to China.
How deep is Sino -German relations?
Last year, German companies invested 10.4 billion euros in China (about 80 billion yuan).Unlike Japanese and American companies, German companies have almost no signs of investing in China.
Some analysts believe that this proves the confidence of Germany to promote its agenda to Chinese leaders.
"In China's economic development and foreign trade relations, Germany plays a very special role," said Max Zein, chief economist of Berlin Makato China Research Center.Electronic products and electronic technology, as well as mechanical and chemicals, are still important products exported to China in Germany.
"As the United States and Japan adopt a more sharp position in exchanges with China, Germany is particularly important for China to obtain technology and capital," he said."Germany is definitely in an advantageous position in this regard."
How does German companies perform in China?
At present, about 5,000 German companies have carried out business in China.However, in a recent investigation of the 150 members of the German Chamber of Commerce in Greater China, two -thirds of the respondents said they felt that they were facing unfair competition in China.
German companies believe that, compared with Chinese competitors, their products are better in quality, innovation and leading technologies.However, there are fewer and fewer opportunities to contact government officials and regulators, which makes the Germans worry that they will lose their business that is vital to the world's success.
Scharsez made a speech before the meeting with the senior management on Tuesday, emphasizing the role of German companies in helping China's economic growth.
"In the past two days, I visited Chongqing and Shanghai with a business delegation. How German companies contributed to China's growth, innovation and sustainable development, which left a deep impression on me,"Shawrtz said.
What should I do if I worry about Chinese goods in Germany?
The Chairman of the European Union Commission Ulsula von Delain expressed the concern last week, saying that Europe is still the last market that is fully open to China.Last fall, the European Union launched an investigation whether the EU's electric vehicles made by China have benefited from unfair subsidies. It is expected to make a decision this summer.She pointed out that Brazil, Turkey, and the United States are taking measures that may cause trade restrictions on Chinese products.
The executives with Salz include the head of BMW and Mercedes-Benz-the CEO of Volkswagen withdrawn from the schedule at the last moment.The three major German automakers have invested in China, and they seem to be interested in maintaining their competitiveness in the Chinese market.
"China is the world's largest automotive market. We are a leading luxury car manufacturer. We have a strong development in China and have a strong influence," Ola K Lin, CEO of Mercedes-Benz,? Llenius) said in an interview with the German public broadcasting company ARD."It is unimaginable to exit such a large market. On the contrary, we are expanding our position here."
Representatives of the German automobile industry pointed out that thousands of jobs in Germany depend on the income generated by the Chinese market.The research and development of German auto manufacturers in the fields of autonomous driving is increasingly relying on China's team, and Europe is not advanced in these fields.
During the visit, the ministers of the two countries signed an agreement to be dedicated to the standardization of autonomous driving technology.
"Our guidance principles should always be free trade and competition," said Oliver Zipse, chairman of BMW, said that he mentioned Japan, South Korea and other countries that sold cars in Europe."We don't think Chinese auto manufacturers are threats."
