When the United States and Britain began to criticize China for enforcing the Hong Kong National Security Act, German Chancellor Angela Merkel chose to be more cautious.
About this writes the American publication “Politico”.
“Since Germany is overestimating its long-standing dependence on the United States amid growing tensions with Washington over security and trade, the country’s leaders have less doubt about the need to resume cooperation with China”, – the publication said.
Berlin’s stance on Hong Kong has become a clear example of how transatlantic ties are collapsing. Despite the fact that so far the American market has been the largest for the sale of German products, now the United States is unsuccessfully fighting the coronavirus, while China has recovered from the epidemic. Moreover, US demand has declined significantly since the 2008 financial crisis.
The publication emphasizes that Merkel “has always put business in the first place”, and China is actively working to expand its own influence in Europe.
“It seems that China’s practical goal now is to ensure that there are enough people in important posts in Brussels and in national capitals who are willing to compromise with European values, such as fundamental freedoms, and adapt to China’s position in order to maintain relations with China”, – the assistant professor at the Japanese University of Keio Mitito Tsuruoka evaluated the situation.