zones of influence
Research minister calls China ‘systemic rival’
Xi Jinping, President of China, in Beijing. photo
© Xie Huanchi/XinHua/dpa
Germany and China established diplomatic relations 50 years ago. In view of a new global reality, Bettina Stark-Watzinger now wants to draw clear boundaries in the partnership.
Federal Research Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger called for vigilance on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with China. “German-Chinese relations must always be critically questioned, especially with regard to research cooperation,” said the FDP politician to the German Press Agency. China has gone from being a strategic partner to a fierce competitor and systemic rival for Germany and the EU, she added.
When it comes to global challenges such as climate change, the minister sees Beijing as a partner who must be actively held accountable. In sensitive areas, she advocated drawing clear boundaries. Stark-Watzinger mentioned artificial intelligence “that China misuses to monitor its citizens” or cooperation with “dual-use risks” – i.e. joint research, the results of which could also be used for undesirable purposes. “That’s why we’re rejecting topics and cooperation with China, especially for key technologies that we don’t think are justifiable.”
50 years ago, on October 11, 1972, the Federal Republic of Germany and China established diplomatic relations.
With regard to the so-called Confucius Institutes, which exist at several universities in Germany, Stark-Watzinger said that she rejects any direct or indirect political influence by China on our teaching and science. “Here the universities are asked whether they will tolerate institutes that are co-financed and politically oriented by Beijing.” Confucius Institutes are based on cooperation between Chinese and German universities.
British intelligence warns of Chinese influence
Meanwhile, the director of the British secret service GCHQ warns of the dangers of increasing influence of the People’s Republic. As the Communist Party has been building their country’s economic strength, it has simultaneously introduced draconian security laws and a culture of surveillance, Jeremy Fleming said, according to a manuscript released ahead of a speech expected today. In addition, the Chinese are more aggressive militarily.
To expand its influence, China uses digital currencies, satellite systems and technological products, among other things. Exports spread them all over the world. Such Chinese technologies have “hidden costs,” Fleming warned. He called on the domestic science and technology sector to become more independent from China and create alternative, competitive offers.
It is an important task for the secret service to recognize “key moments in history”, said Fleming. “Right now it feels like one of those moments.” Having a technological advantage in the future depends on what you do next. “I am confident that together we can turn it in our favor.”