By Andreas Rinke
BERLIN (Reuters) -German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will urge China to relax export restrictions on rare earths and semiconductors, emphasizing fair trade as a cornerstone of successful relations during his visit to Beijing starting Sunday, he told Reuters.
Wadephul’s trip marks the first by a minister from the current German government, ahead of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s planned visit later this year.
Germany, like other European nations, has been reducing its reliance on China, its top trading partner until 2024, amid political tensions and concerns over unfair trade practices.
EXPORT RESTRICTIONS RAISE CONCERNS
Recent curbs on rare earth and semiconductor exports in particular are a major concern, said Wadephul in an interview conducted on Wednesday.
“I will of course also clearly address this issue on the trip. I am certain that, just like us, China has a primary interest in stable and reliable global trade relations and supply chains.
“This can only succeed in the long term if the rules of fair and open international trade are observed by all sides,” he said.
The foreign minister also planned to raise the importance of free movement of goods through the Taiwan Strait, a vital trade corridor. If free movement “were no longer possible there due to violent conflicts, it would have an impact on prosperity in many parts of the world,” he said.
China, which views democratic, self-ruled Taiwan as its own territory, has over the past five years increased its military pressure on the island, including by staging war games nearby.
“Our One-China policy continues unchanged – and we decide on its design. This also includes that there must be no violent change of the status quo,” said Wadephul.
A delegation accompanying Wadephul will include the president of Germany’s VDA car association. Noble Elements, an importer of rare earths, confirmed its managing director would also join the trip.
RUSSIAN INFLUENCE
Wadephul also said he would call on China to use its substantial influence over Russia to facilitate peace talks on the Ukraine conflict.
“Our interest is that China contributes to achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. No other country has as much influence on Russia as China,” he said.
(Reporting by Andreas Rinke, Writing by Miranda Murray, editing by Kirsti Knolle and Alex Richardson)
