Germany Cautions Against Dependence on Beijing, Asserting Australian Awareness

Australia has received commendation from Germany’s foreign minister for setting an example in withstanding Chinese economic pressures. In a strong address that frequently mentioned China, Annalena Baerbock referred to the rising superpower as an unpredictable and secretive systemic rival, making it an unreliable partner for other countries to depend on.

Addressing Chinese President Xi Jinping, she cautioned against any potential invasion of Taiwan, highlighting that Beijing’s ascent is posing a significant challenge to the core principles that govern global coexistence.

“Nations embracing democracy, including Australia and Germany, must mitigate economic risks by diversifying their export markets and collaborating to deter developing nations from shifting their focus towards China,” stated Baerbock.

During a virtual event hosted by the Lowy Institute think tank on Tuesday evening, she acknowledged Australia’s firsthand experience of China’s utilization of economic pressure, exemplified by restrictions on significant exports such as wine, meat, and coal to exert political influence. Baerbock commended Australia for standing firm against this pressure, highlighting the nation’s courage, resilience, and balanced response.

“In the case of Australia, you have gone beyond bending to such demands. I hold in high regard the bravery, tenacity, and sense of proportion you have displayed,” she added.

Baerbock, a representative of the German Greens, was initially on her way to Australia for her inaugural visit as foreign minister. However, her trip was ultimately called off due to recurring mechanical issues with the government jet she was aboard.

The significant transformation undergone by China now demands that every economic engagement be scrutinized from a geopolitical standpoint, she emphasized.

“The predictability, transparency, and dependability required for a consistent economic partnership are not always upheld by China,” she remarked. “The implications of this are well understood by Australians.”

Australia’s deliberations regarding the leasing of the Port of Darwin to a Chinese enterprise and the exclusion of the Chinese company Huawei from Australia’s 5G network have impacted Germany’s approach, she noted.

Baerbock has adopted a firm stance on China, particularly concerning human rights issues. She publicly questioned Beijing’s failure to urge Russia to halt its conflict with Ukraine during her visit to the Chinese capital in April.

In response to her remarks, her Chinese counterpart retorted that “the West’s lectures are of little use to China.”

Baerbock highlighted data from Lowy Institute polls, revealing that 52 percent of Australians now perceive China as a greater security threat than an economic partner, a significant increase from the 12 percent recorded five years prior.

“As your closer neighbor, you recognized ahead of us what we have also incorporated into our government’s China strategy: China’s transformation necessitates a corresponding shift in our policy towards it,” she remarked.

“China is not merely a partner to us, but increasingly a competitor and a systemic rival.”