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FDP General Secretary Bijan Djir-Sarai (in April): "We need a new strategy in connection with China"
Photo: Michael Kappeler / dpa
Chancellor Olaf Scholz is traveling to China in a few days – criticism from his own coalition continues.
"I find the timing of this trip extremely unfortunate," said FDP Secretary General Bijan Djir-Sarai to the broadcasters RTL and ntv.
"We need a new strategy in connection with China." Germany should no longer repeat mistakes made in Russia policy.
On Sunday evening, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) again criticized the Federal Cabinet's decision to allow the Chinese shipping company Cosco to take a minority stake in a terminal operating company in the Port of Hamburg.
First trip since the corona pandemic
Scholz will embark on his first trip to China as chancellor on Thursday.
This is also the first visit by a Western head of government after the People's Republic was put under strict corona lockdown.
As the Reuters news agency reports, Scholz will be accompanied by the heads of numerous companies such as BASF, Deutsche Bank, Siemens, BMW, Volkswagen, Merck, Biontech and Hipp.
Government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said that the chancellor had coordinated the trip to China with western partners.
However, not everyone is enthusiastic about the Chancellor's trip.
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The FDP General Secretary demanded that the change in era proclaimed by Scholz after the Russian attack on Ukraine must also have an impact on China policy.
"China is an important trading partner, but also a systemic rival - everyone who uses the word turning point should be aware of that," said Djir-Sarai.
Regarding the Chinese entry into critical infrastructure, he said: "In my view, that is naive and not a turning point." However, the German government does not classify the Tollerort terminal in the port of Hamburg as critical infrastructure.
Djir-Sarai also demanded that Scholz address the issues of human rights and Taiwan on his trip to China.
"I expect a Federal Chancellor to say very clearly where we stand and what we expect from China," said the FDP General Secretary.
Scholz had announced that he would address both issues in Beijing.
ani/Reuters