German Prime Minister: China poses a growing threat to Germany's security

In his first public policy speech to parliament on May 14, Germany's new Prime Minister, Friedrich Merz, confirmed that his future policies would seek to reduce Germany's dependence on China.

According to a Radio France Internationale report, in the section explaining the international strategic direction, he noted that the major changes in the international order and Sino-Russian relations are worrying, and announced that he would implement strategic risk prevention with China.

In his speech, Merz stated, "We are observing that factors of systemic competition are strengthening in diplomatic policy with China." He emphasized that the ever-increasing relationship between China and Russia is worrying, and that China must be forced to contribute to ending the war in Ukraine.

Merz paused on the field of international policy, saying, "Germany integrates China policy into its principle of regional leadership. A stable, free, and secure Indo-Pacific region is of great strategic importance for Germany and the European Union." He also specifically emphasized the need to diversify Germany's supply chain and reduce unilateral dependence.

Analysts noted that Merz's remarks were closely linked to the coalition agreement between Germany's right-wing and left-wing parties announced this month, but his statements directed at China and Russia demonstrate a new approach.

Before his election, Merz criticized the previous government's policy toward China, asserting that China was increasingly repressive internally and aggressively externally, posing a growing threat to Germany's security. He also asserted that Russia's aggression against Ukraine and North Korea's rise to power were achieved with Chinese support.