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Germany’s China Concept |
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In an important op-ed this week, Green Party member and German foreign policy titan Jurgen Trittin addressed the issue of China head-on with all of the ambivalence that colors the debate over China in Europe. Tritten calls the “new China†a dazzling synthesis of responsive governance (the Sichaun Earthquake) and startling repression (Tibet in March). This month at the Olympics, both of these faces of China will be on display for the world to see.
While his approach to China seems to accord it a level of international standing that the Middle Kingdom has not yet earned, Trittin has staked a valiant position in one regard. On the eve of the Olympic Opening Ceremonies, he has called for a more unified China Concept in Such a consensus like the one that currently exists in Germany’s mainstream parties vis-à -vis the United States.
After all, Germany and Europe cannot remain successful players on the world stage without engaging China with the same level of comprehensiveness that they currently engage the United States. For the Europe of tomorrow, the Eurasian Relationship with Europe, China and Russia at its heart will be as important as the Transatlantic Relationship has been for the past 60 years. Â
The time for a comprehensive China Concept for Germany has arrived but Trittin’s overly-conciliatory remarks fail to acknowledge that direct and frank discussion with China on areas of disagreement has yielded tangible results in recent months. The Chinese government has become more cooperative in recent months on Darfur as a direct result of fear of having the image of the Beijing Olympics smeared. This has also been the case in recent days regarding access of foreign media to internet sites that are forbidden viewing for the average Chinese.
In a country that places so much value on saving face, sometimes shaming is the most effective diplomatic tool the West has.
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