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- Competition between German and Chinese companies is beneficial 'but only when based on fair rules and a level playing field,' says German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier
By Saadet Gokce
ISTANBUL (AA) - Germany does not seek to decouple from China but wants to address trade imbalances through dialogue, the German president said Thursday.
"Our goal as Europeans is clear. We do not want to decouple from China," Frank-Walter Steinmeier told an audience at Peking University during his visit to Beijing.
"On the contrary, we want to ensure that trade continues to be of benefit to both sides ... Partnership only holds if both sides have something to gain. That is why we are seeking solutions through dialogue for the sectors where great imbalances have arisen," Steinmeier said.
Competition between German and Chinese companies is beneficial "but only when it is based on fair rules and a level playing field," he said.
Steinmeier said Germans do not want the world to split into blocs or see a new confrontation between them, warning that such divisions could undermine international security and cause economic losses.
"It is understandable that China wants to protect its economy against external shocks and negative influences. However, China having greater autonomy must not mean conversely that others are increasingly dependent on China and vulnerable to it," he said.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Wednesday that Europe does not seek a trade war with China but is determined to defend its industries from unfair practices.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said the EU’s trade deficit with China in 2025 reached €1 billion ($1.12 billion) per day.
The market share of three major German automakers declined in both Europe and China since 2021, while the added value that these manufacturers generated in Europe dropped by 30-45% in the first half of this year compared to 2021-2022.
Saadet Gökce
