Over the past few decades, China has achieved strong economic growth, considerable prosperity and an impressive reduction in poverty. In this context, both China and Europe have benefited greatly from increased political, economic and societal exchange.

These positive developments in China contrast with setbacks concerning civil and political rights. And China’s economic policy aims to make it less dependent on other countries, while trying to make others more dependent on China. In terms of foreign policy, China is acting far more assertively and is attempting to reshape the existing rules‑based international order. This is having an impact on European and global security.

We have to deal with the challenges China is posing – and at the same time continue to seek and strengthen exchange and cooperation with China. China remains an indispensable partner for us in climate change mitigation, in resolving the debt crises of individual countries, in fostering food security and thus also in ensuring global stability. China is simultaneously a partner, competitor and systemic rival. The Federal Government Strategy on China takes account of all these dimensions.

What does the Strategy on China say?

The Strategy presents the Federal Government’s views on the status of and prospects for relations with China. It enables the Federal Government to assert our values and interests more effectively in this complex relationship. It presents means and instruments by which cooperation with China can be continued in face of the competition and systemic rivalry with it, without endangering our free democratic way of life, sovereignty, prosperity, partnerships with others or security. It is to provide the framework within which individual federal ministries can give coherence to their policies on China. And it is to form the basis for enhanced coordination on China in Germany, Europe and beyond.