How do China’s actions affect the security of German companies? Representatives from the Office for the Protection of the Constitution and business discussed this in Berlin. The latest espionage allegations were also a topic.
The warnings and calls not to be naive when dealing with China have long been known. And yet Sinan Selen, deputy head of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, was apparently keen to underline it again with clear words. Also in view of the suspected espionage cases that have recently become known.
“Basically at the end of the day it depends on your advice whether your companies will continue to exist or not,” he said. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution addressed his words directly to the security consultants from German companies in the audience. There are a number of case studies in which the “highly optimistic and overly positive attitude towards trade relations with China” has led to these companies practically dissolving. “That threatens you too.”
Selen mentioned possible dangers: excessive dependency on China, geopolitical conflicts – for example around Taiwan – with effects on supply chains, sabotage, cyber crime and industrial espionage.
Under China’s leadership
And he made it clear: When German companies do business in China, “two worlds collide and asymmetrically.” On the one hand, there are German private companies that would like to do good business. On the other hand, Chinese companies that are heavily dependent on politics.
Because politics comes first in China. Companies must comply with this and, in cases of doubt, also cooperate with the state. Sandra Heep, China expert from Bremen University, also emphasized this. The Chinese leadership, said Heep, is “essentially concerned with ensuring that the economy as a whole is aligned in such a way that China itself becomes less vulnerable and perhaps, conversely, is more able to hurt others or become dangerous to others.” .
“Our companies are sensitized”
This is a challenge for the approximately 5,000 German companies that operate in China – as well as for companies that have Chinese investors. “The message has arrived,” said Alexander Borgschulze, chairman of the Alliance for Security in the Economy. “And I can also tell you: not just since today and since the arrests of the past few days.”
In the interview, Borgschulze defended himself against the frequently voiced accusation that the German economy is too naive when dealing with China: “Our companies are sensitized and are prepared and, of course, are constantly adapting to these dynamic threat situations.”
Alexander Borgschulze (l) and Sinan Selen at the security conference in Berlin: Borgschulze’s interest group organized the conference together with the Office for the Protection of the Constitution.
Selenium: “Better, but not good enough”
It is often a balancing act for entrepreneurs to have to weigh up economic opportunities and risks, for example from industrial espionage or growing dependencies.
Overall, many companies are better positioned today than they were a few years ago, said Selen, Vice President of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution. “Better, but not good enough. I think we have a way to go.” The debate about the right way to deal with China continues: in business and politics.
Philipp Eckstein, ARD Berlin, tagesschau, April 24, 2024 5:11 p.m