Franziska Brantner, chairwoman of the German Greens, told the magazine “Spiegel” that Chancellor Friedrich Merz must speak plainly when he visits Beijing. She says the leader of Germany should demand both fair trade and respect for basic human rights as well as for the European peace order.
Brantner complains that China systematically undermines competition. European firms, she argues, are largely barred from public markets in many sectors-including healthcare-while Chinese companies are free to participate in EU public tenders. She urges Merz to make it clear that only fair competition is acceptable. “Anyone who takes advantage of our openness must open its own markets” she says. If that does not happen, she warns that Germany will have to protect its own market from China.
In addition, Brantner expects the chancellor to address the human‑rights situation in China and to confront the country’s role in the war against Ukraine.
Merz is scheduled to depart on Tuesday evening for a two‑day inaugural visit to China, accompanied by a large business delegation.
