It was full house at last week’s SGC Dialogue, where members gathered to hear German Ambassador, Dr Norbert Riedel share about Germany’s recently published China Strategy. In his presentation, Ambassador Riedel shared crucial points on the complex but important policy document, which is not targeted at the private sector, but primarily serves as a point of reference for the government. He outlined that the China Strategy aims at improving Germany’s relations with China, strengthen Germany and the EU, and enhance international cooperation.

Ambassador Riedel reminded the audience that as China is changing, there also is a need for China policies to change. Nonetheless, he called for a balanced approach, urging German companies to maintain ties with their business partners in China, while being mindful of geopolitical and ethical considerations. On the issue of intellectual property rights and technology transfer, for instance, Dr Riedel highlighted the government’s view for German companies to protect their innovations in their collaborations with Chinese partners.

Dr Riedel also quoted German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s stance on encouraging companies to ‘de-risk’ from China and that many German companies were already diversifying their supply chains, investments and exports. Germany sees China as a partner, competitor, and systemic rival at the same time. He encouraged German companies to make use of the China Strategy as a guide for forging successful and mutually beneficial partnerships with China while upholding their values and interests.

We would like to thank Ambassador Riedel for sharing his valuable insights with SGC members.