The authorities in Berlin beat the alarm, companies are threatened with suspension of production. China pulled an ace out of the sleeve. Beijing addiction is reflected in hiccups
At the beginning of the year, when information about the customs dispute between the US and the rest of the world appeared on the first pages of the newspapers, Beijing sent an important signal. Many have missed him, but now they take their toll.
“We take very seriously the risk associated with Chinese control of the export of critical raw materials and we observe the situation with concern,” said a spokeswoman for the German Ministry of Economy in an interview with Bild.
The concern is primarily expressed by ordinary German companies – according to experts, if China continues to suspend the supply of metals of rare lands, enterprises are threatened with suspension of production.
The signal that China sent at the beginning of the commercial dispute from the USA almost lost in the hustle and bustle of events. In the long run, however, he has far -reaching consequences.
The elements of rare lands are crucial for Germany, whose economy is largely based on industry. Breaks in deliveries can also be a big problem in the context of the announced, extensive arms programs.
“We received a command from the General Inspector to fully equip the Bundeswehra for national and allied defense by 2029,” said the head of the German Federal Office for equipment, information technologies and technical support of the Bundeswehr (Baainbw) Annette Lennigk-Eden.
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“It is necessary to expect a significant deterioration in the situation in terms of supplies. Especially small and medium-sized enterprises often have materials only for a few weeks”-warns Dr. Amir-Said Ghassabeh in an interview with “Bild”, a lawyer specializing in economic law.
The expert claims that since April this year he gets “countless queries” in this matter. Ghassabeh advises victims to report to the German authorities that will transfer all applications to the Chinese government. This is to present diplomatic pressure on the communist authorities in Beijing. However, it is not certain whether this tactic will work.
It is not individual Chinese companies that decide who they sell their products, but Beijing. Export in China must now be meticulously documented, and information about the use of goods must be disclosed.
Beijing can blackmail the world with impunity
One thing is certain: China uses the world's dependence to deliberate blackmail and are successful in this field. According to the German Ministry of Economy, “commercial installations for the separation of rare earth metals can currently be built only by a few countries except China.”
Samples of Rare Earth metal at an exhibition in Beijing (illustrative photos)VCG / VCG VIA GETTY IMAGES / Contributor / GETTY IMAGES
For this reason, the German Federal Association of the German Security and Defense Industry [stowarzyszenie branżowe, które liczy 300 członków, obejmuje m.in.: Rheinmetall, Hensoldt, Telekom, EY, Mercedes oraz Lufthansę] He believes that “further diversification of supply sources” is necessary.
For now, the current supply situation is assessed by the association as “stable”. However, the functioning of the German economy will largely depend on Beijing's political decisions.
According to the German Federal Statistical Office, 65.5 percent Last year, the entire import of Germany came from the Middle Kingdom, a total of approx. 3,400 tons. These raw materials are used in the production of advanced technologies, for example for batteries, semiconductors and electric motors.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
