'Taiwan and Human Rights Mentioned' Scholz Government... Germany's Diplomatic Test with China

Olaf Scholz, the designated Chancellor of Germany (fifth from the left), is holding a joint press conference with the leaders of the coalition parties on the 24th (local time) in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Bloomberg)

[Asia Economy reporters Yujin Jo and Hyunwoo Lee] China has issued a stern warning to the new German coalition government, set to officially launch early next month, not to interfere in the Taiwan issue. This is a public warning to the Olaf Scholz government, which has adopted a tougher stance toward China, unlike the Angela Merkel administration that pursued a conciliatory policy toward China. Amid the turbulence of US-China conflicts, Germany’s China diplomacy, as another pillar of the global economy, is being evaluated as facing a critical test.

On the 25th (local time), Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated at a regular briefing, "The previous German administration supported the ‘One China’ policy, and we hope the new government will uphold this policy, respect China’s core interests, and safeguard the political foundation of bilateral relations."

He added, "Germany should focus solely on cooperation based on practical benefits," and warned, "Issues related to Taiwan, the South China Sea, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang are all internal affairs of China." By sending this warning message against Germany’s tougher stance toward China, China is pressuring Germany to continue the diplomatic direction of Chancellor Merkel, who prioritized pragmatic values over ideological ones.

The remarks from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs came immediately after the release of the new German coalition agreement. The agreement, made public the previous day, explicitly mentioned issues such as ‘human rights, Hong Kong, and Taiwan,’ which China considers non-negotiable core interests, and openly criticized them. The agreement states, "We designate Xinjiang Uyghur as a region of particular concern regarding human rights, call for the restoration of the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle in Hong Kong, and support Taiwan’s substantive participation in international organizations."

It further states, "We expect China to play a responsible role in maintaining peace and stability in neighboring countries," and "We support resolving disputes in the South China Sea and East China Sea based on international law." It added, "Attempts to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait can only be peacefully resolved through mutual agreement."

The profiles of key figures in the new German government also reflect strong anti-China sentiments. Annalena Baerbock, leader of the Green Party and the incoming Foreign Minister, has made tough statements against China and Russia on human rights issues. The Green Party, a core pillar of the coalition, declared in its election manifesto that it pursues a value-based foreign policy and emphasized taking a stronger stance against countries perceived as threats to German and European Union (EU) security. Christian Lindner, leader of the Free Democratic Party and the incoming Finance Minister, has also opposed Chancellor Merkel’s conciliatory China policy.

Bloomberg reported, "Germany, leading the EU, is shifting to a China pressure policy in step with US President Joe Biden," calling it "a major shift from the Merkel era." Janka Oettel, a China foreign policy and security expert at the European Council on Foreign Relations in Berlin, said, "The change in tone toward China by the new government is surprising."

Resolving the threat posed by Russia’s Ukraine issue is also an urgent task for the new coalition. More than 100,000 Russian troops have gathered near the border with Ukraine, and a large-scale invasion is reportedly planned between January and February next year. The UK has also announced the redeployment of armored units previously withdrawn from Germany in February last year to deter Russian military provocations, raising concerns about a full-scale war. Foreign media reported that if Russia invades Ukraine, the relationship between Germany and Russia will face another critical test.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.