According to Finance Minister Lindner, Germany does not allow its values to be bought off for good business. After Beijing canceled a visit by the FDP leader, Lindner now called for a “confident and realistic approach” to China.
After a planned visit by Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner to Beijing was canceled by the Chinese government, Lindner called for a “self-confident and realistic approach” to China. Anyone who only relies on economic relationships loses a piece of their civilizational mission – “on the other hand, anyone who only argues with conviction will not move anything,” wrote Lindner on Twitter. In a podcast of the medium “The Pioneer” he also spoke of a “less velvet-pawed appearance” towards the People’s Republic.
Germany doesn’t let its liberal values be bought off for good business, it needs a “better balance than before,” Lindner continued. If “values are in tension”, the commitment to international law is central. At the same time, Lindner emphasized that it was naïve to believe that Germany could decouple itself from China.
Beijing: Cancellation was “purely a technical question”
At a press conference held by Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Berlin, Gang emphasized that Lindner was very welcome in China. The cancellation was a “purely technical question” and should not be overinterpreted.
A lot of preparations for the visit have already been made. Unfortunately, the Chinese Finance Minister is otherwise busy, which is why the meeting had to be postponed. A new date should be found as soon as possible.
Lindner previously criticized China’s stance
It had previously been speculated whether the Chinese refusal had anything to do with Lindner’s or the FDP’s relationship with China. In March, Lindner’s party and cabinet colleague, Research Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger, traveled to Taiwan and caused resentment in Beijing. Lindner himself recently criticized China’s position on the Russian war against Ukraine and also advocated openly addressing human rights issues.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the Chinese government asked at the weekend to postpone Lindner’s visit planned for Wednesday due to scheduling reasons. At the meeting, the German-Chinese government consultations and a high-level financial dialogue should be prepared.