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The reason given by German Economy Minister Robert Habeck to argue for this decision was accusations of democracy and human rights. This is the first time that Germany does not guarantee a business to invest in China for reasons related to this allegation.

German Economy Minister Robert Habeck REUTERS

The move of the German government has begun to cast a shadow on the economic, trade and investment cooperation between the two countries. It signals the beginning of a new era with new problems and difficulties in the bilateral relationship. For Germany, this policy adjustment is of special significance because Germany has been aware from the beginning that cooperative relations will be negatively affected while China is one of the important partners. and Berlin has always deliberately avoided getting too aggressive with Beijing over democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

In fact, this change of times is inevitable. Mr. Habeck and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock belongs to the Green Party and the party has just returned to power. In the agreement to form the coalition government, the Greens advocated the pursuit of a “value-based foreign policy”, that is, guided and guided by the universal value system in the country. world The West. If this policy is not consistent, the Green Party will be suspicious at home, but implementing it will make cooperation with China difficult. This adjustment of Germany also signals a new storm in the relationship between the EU and China in general.