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SPD leader Lars Klingbeil: He heads the party's "Commission for International Politics"
Photo: Karsten Klama / dpa
The SPD leadership wants to show more strength in dealing with Russia and China.
According to a 21-page policy paper by the party's "Commission for International Politics" (KIP), which SPIEGEL has seen, it has been based exclusively on a cooperative future with Russia for too long.
The "ARD Hautstadtstudio" reported about it first.
Germany must play a leading role in Europe.
According to the KIP, this also includes strengthening the military capabilities of the Bundeswehr.
One's own strength is a basic requirement for peace and a rule-based order.
The KIP is headed by co-party leader Lars Klingbeil.
The SPD presidium wants to deal with the statements under the heading "Social Democratic Answers to a World in Upheaval" on Monday.
The party's new foreign policy orientation is to be decided at a party conference at the end of the year.
Admission of Mistakes
In the paper, the Commission also acknowledges errors.
Among other things, the principle that peace in Europe can only be secured with and not without Russia should no longer apply.
As long as Russia does not change, Europe must organize security against Russia.
In December 2021, the delegates at the SPD federal party conference commissioned the party leadership to reorganize the party’s foreign and security policy.
At the time, the party was still assuming that Russia would not attack Ukraine.
Dealing with China is also part of the explanations.
This is about more economic resilience and independence.
According to media information, only the “China Plus One” principle should apply to commodity trading.
Accordingly, China must no longer be the sole supplier of a raw material; there must always be an alternative.
“It is time that we take more responsibility and show leadership to achieve these goals,” the strategy paper is quoted as saying.
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