Perspectives on the Xi-Biden Summit from the German Point of View
The United States and China navigate an economic showdown, raising concerns about a potential new Cold War and the specter of military tensions. Germany grapples with the dilemma between its vital ally and primary trade partner.
Navigating the Tightrope: Germany’s Balancing Act in the Xi-Biden Struggle
In the current geopolitical landscape, the relations between the United States and China are at a precarious low point. Tensions have escalated both militarily over the South China Sea, where military aircraft from both nations have dangerously intersected, and economically, as export restrictions are evolving into what some experts call an economic war. Amidst these challenges, the world is now turning its attention to the Xi-Biden summit in San Francisco, hoping for a diplomatic breakthrough, even as international expectations remain tempered.
According to Hanns W. Maull, a Berlin political scientist and an expert on East Asia and international order issues, the resumption of talks between Beijing and Washington is long overdue. However, he cautions that the mere act of dialogue doesn’t guarantee progress on the serious conflict issues underlying the tensions between the two global powers.
In the eyes of political scientist Josef Braml, the US and China are already embroiled in a “Cold War 2.0,” with concerns that this economic warfare could jeopardize crucial global cooperation efforts, particularly in tackling climate change. The urgency becomes evident when considering Germany’s heavy reliance on Chinese products for its ambitious climate protection and energy transition initiatives, including photovoltaic cells, battery technology, and electromobility.
Germany, finding itself sandwiched between its most crucial political and military ally, the US, and its largest trading partner, China, adopted a “China strategy” in July to navigate this delicate balance. The strategy acknowledges China as a “partner, competitor, and strategic rival” and emphasizes reducing dependence on China through a process termed “de-risking.”
The concept of de-risking involves encouraging German companies to diversify their engagements across other countries and regions, thereby spreading and mitigating risks associated with overreliance on China. However, Beijing has criticized this strategy as counterproductive, aggravating global divisions.
Germany’s dilemma is exacerbated by recent statements from its Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, who referred to Chinese President Xi Jinping as a dictator, prompting strong reactions from China and raising questions about the cost of such diplomatic rhetoric.
The inner conflict within Germany is also reflected in its governing coalition. While Green Party members like Baerbock and Economy Minister Robert Habeck advocate for a tougher stance on China, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, a Social Democrat, is cautious about implementing restrictive measures. This balancing act is particularly evident in Germany’s approach to the digital realm, where concerns about national security clash with economic interests.
At the NATO cyber defense conference, Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg urged alliance members to avoid components from Chinese producers Huawei and ZTE. Despite such warnings, German mobile communications providers continue to use Huawei components in the country’s 5G network, illustrating the challenge of reconciling security and economic interests.
Maull emphasizes that Germany’s delicate position is not unique but rather a European one, given the EU’s significant role in international trade relations. He suggests that, as part of the EU, Germany can wield influence on the global stage. However, he warns that maintaining equal distance between the US and China is not feasible. While the US is Germany’s natural ally, there’s also a core German interest in preventing catastrophic collateral damage from the escalating rivalry for global supremacy.
As the Xi-Biden summit unfolds in San Francisco, the world watches with anticipation, hoping for diplomatic breakthroughs that could ease the global tensions and pave the way for more collaborative efforts, especially in crucial areas like climate change and international trade. In the intricate dance between economic interests and geopolitical alliances, Germany finds itself at the center, balancing on a tightrope between the United States and China.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
