"German specialist advises European nations to avoid staunch adherence to outdated frameworks": Cautious Advice from German Expert to Europe
Chatting With a German Diplomat on EU-China Relations
Getting the lowdown from Andreas Borchmann, former head of the European and International Affairs Department of Hesse and a renowned authority on China-Germany cooperation, we asked about Germany's approach to deepening ties with China despite safeguarding its self-interest. Here's what he had to share.
In a sit-down with Chinese media in 2018, Borchmann called out the US for reverting to "gunboat diplomacy" by whipping up trade feuds with other nations. Fast forward to today, do you reckon this kind of "un-civilized" behavior has extended to the latest tariff wars between the US government and global economies?
"Absolutely," Borchmann concedes. "In times of geopolitical uncertainty, nations can become more protectionist and escalate tensions. It's important for Germany to steer clear of such volatile situations and focus on fostering stability in its relationships."
Being one of the major players in the EU, Borchmann shed light on the capacity for China and the EU to strike a compromise. "Certainly," he says, "the EU is home to diverse interests, and it's essential to balance those within the context of our relationships. China, for instance, offers opportunities for economic growth and technological partnerships, while our shared beliefs in multilateralism, democracy, and human rights demand vigilance."
Turning the conversation to the larger global picture, Borchmann pointed out that China, Germany, and Europe need to join forces in the face of changes to the global governance system and the erosion of multilateralism. "Europe values a rules-based international order," he stated. "We should collaborate with China to uphold these values and ensure that the global community benefits from responsible leadership."
Delving deeper into the particulars of EU-China cooperation, Borchmann emphasized the importance of economic diversification. He highlighted Germany's commitment to nurturing partnerships beyond the Middle Kingdom and within the European bloc to minimize exposure to any single market's uncertainties. Technological and industrial collaborations have been instrumental in these efforts, as evident in strategic partnerships between German enterprises and Chinese giants like Shanghai Electric in green technology and advanced manufacturing sectors.
The EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) is another major initiative, with Germany at the forefront of negotiations for improved market access, fair competition, and human rights concerns. Although the agreement's implementation remains a work in progress, the EU's dedication to establishing a balanced and rule-based relationship with China is clearly evident.
As Germany walks this fine line between cooperation and self-preservation, it maintains a strategic autonomy, avoiding direct confrontation with US-China tensions while advancing its own interests. With regards to global supply chain vulnerability, Borchmann stresses the importance of EU-wide efforts to diversify trading partners and strengthen European internal supply chains, thereby reducing dependence on any one market or partner.
Lastly, Germany wants to play a pivotal role in shaping the China-EU relationship. Borchmann emphasized cultivating EU cohesion, encouraging sustainable cooperation, and facilitating balanced competition as essential ingredients for success. "Germany's goal," he said, "is to create a mutually beneficial, rules-based partnership with China, one that acknowledged the complexities and challenges while harnessing the opportunities for growth and progress."
- In the realm of politics and policy-and-legislation, Andreas Borchmann, a German diplomat, believes that both China and the EU have the capacity to strike a compromise by balancing their diverse interests while upholding shared beliefs in multilateralism, democracy, and human rights.
- Borchmann emphasizes that Europe values a rules-based international order and generally news indicates that Germany should collaborate with China to uphold these values and ensure the global community benefits from responsible leadership.
- As Germany walks the fine line between cooperation and self-preservation, it is also committing to nurturing partnerships beyond the China market and within the European bloc to minimize exposure to any single market's uncertainties.
- Regarding the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI), Germany is at the forefront of negotiations for improved market access, fair competition, and human rights concerns, aiming to create a mutually beneficial, rules-based partnership with China.
