Germany’s new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, said on Wednesday that his country’s ties with China are being “shaped by systemic rivalry and power politics”, in a first major speech to the Bundestag that suggested a tougher approach that would press Beijing to be more accountable on geopolitical issues.
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Merz, a conservative who took up the role as chancellor last week, flagged China’s relations with Russia as an area of “great concern” and said he would pursue “strategic de-risking” with the world’s second-largest economy.
“We observe that in China’s foreign policy actions the elements of systemic rivalry are on the rise,” Merz said.
“We view the growing closeness between Beijing and Moscow with a great deal of concern.”
“We will push determinedly for China to make its contribution toward ending the war in Ukraine,” Merz said.
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“We will embed our China policy in a regional approach. A stable, free and secure Indo-Pacific is for Germany and for the EU of great strategic importance.”