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Minister of Economy Robert Habeck (Greens) wanted to meet Prime Minister Li Qiang on his trip to China on Saturday. The date does not come about now. Regardless of this, Habeck spoke in favour of a reform of the German strategy, which is about one year old.

Vice chancellor Robert Habeck (Greens) has to give up an important meeting during his trip to China. A date with Prime Minister Li Qiang, which is hoped for Saturday, did not come about, it was stated on Friday from the delegation of the Federal Minister of Economics. The date was "not representable at schedule before the departure". Habeck wants to travel on to Shanghai on the second day of his visit to China.

He meet “a whole host of cabinet colleagues on Saturday,” Habeck said. “So the day is full enough.” He knows Qiang from his time in Schleswig-Holstein’s state politics, so there is “a story on which we can build.” He had no idea why the date did not come about.

Habeck insists on updated China strategy

During his visit to Beijing, Habeck spoke out in favour of a reform of the one-year-old German China strategy. “In the past or later, the China strategy has to be updated,” said the Vice Chancellor on Friday at a reception at the German Embassy in Beijing at the start of his trip to the People’s Republic. So far, there has been a lack of an outlook on what relations between the two countries should look like in the medium term. The German strategy of China must include a longer-term plan. “I say this because I’m sure the Chinese have one,” Habeck stressed.

Concrete areas in politics, trade and climate protection should be addressed. “A strategy means looking to the future and at least describe a path to the future, even if it will never happen as it is described,” said Habeck. At the same time, he criticised a missing European approach. This is necessary in a complex world. "Europe is important, and we must keep together," said the Green Policyr.

About a year ago, the German government adopted a strategy for dealing with the second largest economy in the world after the USA. At the same time, China is described as a partner, competitor and systemic rival. However, the Federal Government also emphasises that both states “in important areas have different ideas about the principles of the international order”. Trade war between the EU and China?

A trade war is currently looming between the European Union and the People's Republic. The EU Commission wants to impose punitive tariffs on Chinese electric cars. It justifies this with distortions of competition by high state subsidies in the People's Republic. China has already threatened to take countermeasures. Habeck hopes that the punitive tariffs that are rejected by the German car industry for fear of a trade war with Chinese retaliation can still be prevented.

The Green Policyan most recently pointed out that he could not negotiate for the EU that this was the task of the EU Commission. But as the largest European economy, Germany's voice has particular weight. His trip to China may be able to contribute to finding a solution.

Habeck wants to exchange ideas with the chairman of the State Development and Reform Commission, Zheng Shanjie, Minister of Trade Wang Wentao, and Minister of Industry Jin Zhuanglong during the trip lasting until Sunday. This will address issues of bilateral relations and current issues relating to economic, energy and climate policy.