The partial sale of the Hamburg port terminal marked a tipping point in the perception of China by the German public. Concerns about growing dependence now reached segments of the population for whom Beijing's industrial policy previously meant nothing more than boring news in the business section. Olaf Scholz also takes this baggage with him on his first trip to China as German Chancellor.
By Marcel Grzanna
Chinese acquisitions of German companies need to be handled far more restrictively in the future. After all, China exploits all international relations for its greatest benefit. So if the German chancellor is already traveling to China at this time, the talks must also address global political issues beyond trade matters.
By Experts Table.Briefings
While the Chancellor's visit to Beijing fuels the debate in Germany, China's media are downright euphoric. Scholz is portrayed here as a good friend of the country. Meanwhile, criticism from the German governing coalition is growing louder and louder.
By Redaktion Table
Olaf Scholz's trip to China comes at a particularly critical time: The battle over the "redistribution of power in the world" is in full swing, while Europe is still struggling to find a common China strategy.
By Experts Table.Briefings
Against all odds, Scholz pushed through the port deal with Cosco in Hamburg. This cost him significant political capital in the governing coalition and the federal states. He even angered the city's sinologists, who are usually rather reserved on political issues. Meanwhile, business representatives warn against "China-bashing".
By
This Wednesday, Chancellor Scholz will travel to Paris in an attempt to improve strained Franco-German relations. However, the causes of the latest spat are not only found in differences in contents. Berlin observers also blame the German government.
By Till Hoppe
