Germany 'walks the tightrope' between China and its allies?

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has arrived in Germany, starting his first overseas trip since taking office, the China Daily reported. Li is expected to hold face-to-face talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz today (June 19) and hold intergovernmental consultations this week.

Speaking about his visit to Germany, Mr. Li said Beijing is willing to work with Berlin to explore more cooperation potential and promote new developments in bilateral relations.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin on June 17.

According to Reuters, Mr. Li's visit will require Chancellor Scholz's tact in balancing Germany's relations with China and with its G7 allies (alongside Germany are Canada, France, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US).

Mr Li’s choice of Germany for his first overseas trip as premier reflects the special relationship between Europe and Asia’s largest economies . China’s rapid expansion and demand for German cars and technology have fuelled Berlin’s growth over the past two decades.

China became Germany's largest trading partner in 2016 and is a core market for leading German companies including Volkswagen, BASF and BMW. By 2022, China will remain Germany's most important trading partner for the seventh consecutive year, with the value of goods exchanged amounting to around 300 billion euros (7 million billion VND), according to DW.

Analysts in Berlin say the Chinese delegation will likely lobby the German government directly and indirectly through major businesses to pressure the European Union not to go too far in regulating business in China.

Meanwhile, Mr. Wang Yiwei, director of the Center for European Studies, Renmin University of China, commented: "The consultations between the Chinese and German governments are very special in China's relationship with major Western countries."

Relations between China and the US and its allies have been strained amid concerns over Beijing. Last month, Chancellor Scholz joined G7 leaders in pledging to “de-risk” without “decoupling” from China. But analysts say the meaning of “de-risk” needs to be redefined, with hardliners calling for less business and a focus on sectors such as critical minerals.

After the trip to Germany, the Chinese delegation is expected to visit Paris and attend a financial conference on June 22-23, at the invitation of the French government.

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