Berlin demands, Beijing ignores. A bitter diagnosis of Germany's relations with China

The visit of the head of German diplomacy, Johann Wadephul, to China shows how much the balance of power between Berlin and Beijing has changed, says “Die Welt” on Tuesday. According to the newspaper, Beijing is deciding the terms of the talks today.

“Johann Wadephul's visit to Beijing shows how much the balance of power between the two countries has changed,” says “Die Welt” in the article “Clash with reality, now China is dictating terms to Germany.”

As the daily notes, more German politicians are going to Beijing, including: “China welcomes them and decides on the conditions.”. The “constructive dialogue” – referred to by the German side – “takes place in a situation in which the balance of power between Berlin and Beijing has clearly shifted to China's advantage.”

As one of the proofs of this, Die Welt cites China's lack of reaction to Wadephul's appeal for Beijing to put pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine.

An asymmetry is revealed. Germans criticize and make demands. China tells them to wait, the daily writes in this context.

Wadephul ends a two-day visit to China on Tuesday. The main topic of the diplomat's talks in the PRC were trade barriers and Chinese restrictions on the export of rare earths, from which Germany wants to obtain exemptions. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans to travel to China at the beginning of next year.

From Berlin Mateusz Obremski (PAP)

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