China sees itself as the winner of the trade disputes with the USA and has gained self-confidence. There was recently a demonstration of power in the chip industry, which is important for German car manufacturers. There are now signs of relaxation in the Nexperia crisis. But this is not China’s only economic policy lever. Beijing successfully used rare earths as a means of pressure in trade negotiations with the USA.
The metals and the magnets made from them are found in the screens of smartphones or televisions, in the drives for electric motors, semiconductors or turbines. German industry therefore depends on it. China has restricted their exports and German companies have to go through complex approval procedures.
Klingbeil announces that he wants to talk about it. “Rare earths are an issue where I think we cannot accept a partner taking advantage of the advantage they have there,” he says. In general, he has the impression that China wants cooperation with Germany and appreciates “when you speak politically plainly in various places, when you don’t try to hide differences, but when you are open in the political debate.”
Another issue on which the German Vice Chancellor wants to do this is China’s role in Russia’s war against Ukraine. “I will also give the signal again that we see a strong Chinese role and that we of course also want the pressure on Russia to be increased to end this war that violates international law,” says Klingbeil.
When it comes to Russia, the Chinese are promised a lot of influence. State and party leader Xi Jinping received Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin at the beginning of the month, and the relationship between the two nuclear powers is becoming closer. Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin likes to refer to the Chinese as an “old friend.” From Ukraine’s perspective, the Chinese peace proposals to date pursue Russian interests. In addition, China continues to pour money into their war chest with its oil imports from Russia.
Critics accuse the SPD of pursuing a shadow foreign policy after Wadephul’s rejection – especially since Chancellor Merz will probably not travel to China until next year. Klingbeil is accompanied by a larger delegation, which also takes part in the traditional party dialogue between the Social Democrats and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
