Habeck remarks that China's backing of Russia is negatively impacting trade ties with Europe.
Criticisms were lodged regarding the shipment of supposed Dual-Use Items from China to Russia, which can be utilized for both civilian and military purposes. The Minister announced a 40% surge in trade with Russia, with nearly half attributed to Dual-Use Items. Habeck voiced concerns, stating, "Regrettably, one cannot help but think that these items can't only be employed in the military realm but also be exploited."
Dual-Use Items encompass testing and measuring equipment, valves, or electronic parts. "We can't allow it to be the case that these technical goods we export to other nations end up indirectly and eventually directly supporting Russia's aggressive war," Habeck continued. Europe should ensure "we aren't undermining our own safety interests by trading these goods."
China has declared their refusal to supply military equipment to Russia, according to Habeck. He suggested, "Perhaps this clarity could extend to Dual-Use Items as well, preventing the delivery of items that can, to some degree, be safely used within the military complex." Such a measure could also bolster our economic relationship, he added.
No agreement has yet been reached with China in regards to Germany and Europe's view of this war, emphasized Habeck. He stressed, "For Germany, this offense is not a local conflict between two countries settling their boundary disputes. 'For us, this aggressive war poses a threat to our own security situation, as the inviolability of borders (...) is the foundation for peace in Europe.'"
Habeck is scheduled to travel to China on Friday, concluding his East Asia trip from South Korea. In Beijing, he was to meet representatives of the Chinese government, but a planned meeting with China's Prime Minister Li Qiang was cancelled.
China claims neutrality in the Ukraine war. The Western allies of Ukraine charge Beijing with failing to denounce Russia's aggressive war. Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has been a guest of China since the war's inception; during these visits, both sides have praised their strategic partnership.
Read also:
- Robert Habeck expressed concern about China's support for Russia's War of Aggression affecting Europe's trade relationship.
- The Minister highlighted the 40% increase in trade with Russia, with a significant portion due to Dual-Use Items, raising alarm about potential military use.
- Habeck suggested that China could extend their refusal to supply military equipment to include Dual-Use Items, potentially strengthening the trade relations.
- In the context of the War of Aggression in Ukraine, China maintains a stance of neutrality, a point of contention for Western allies who accuse Beijing of failing to denounce Russia's actions.
- Habeck is scheduled to visit China, aiming to discuss the stance on the war and relations between Europe, Russia, and China, with a scheduled meeting with China's Prime Minister Li Qiang, although it was later cancelled.
- Europe should be cautious about its trade relations with China and Russia, to avoid indirectly contributing to Russia's military capabilities through the export of Dual-Use Items such as electronics.
- Germany, being a significant contributor to the global electronics industry, plays a crucial role in regulating trade of sensitive technology to avoid exacerbating conflict situations, like the ongoing War of Aggression in Ukraine.
