Germany adopts a security strategy against China and accuses Beijing of “relativizing” human rights

Stipulates that Chinese espionage is a “growing concern” for Berlin

BERLIN, July 13 (DPA/EP) –

The German authorities have adopted a new security strategy against China on Thursday and have accused the Asian country of “relativizing” Human Rights and “undermining International Law” with its policies on the Indo-Pacific region.

The 61-page document warns of China’s attempts to “influence the international order and notes that the country is trying to “increase its supremacy as it questions international principles.”

“China is using its economic power to achieve its political objectives. China’s relations with many neighboring states have deteriorated as a result of this,” says the text, which has finally been published after a series of debates within of the German Government.

Germany has also indicated that China’s decision to expand its relations with Russia “has direct implications for the country’s security policy in the midst of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.”

On the other hand, the German Government has warned of the “growing concern” that the activities of the Asian giant in terms of espionage, especially in cyberspace, represent for Berlin.

“We resolutely oppose any espionage and sabotage activities by Chinese secret services and state-controlled groups against Germany,” the authorities have pointed out.

In this sense, the Government has assured that “German sovereignty will not be violated and that the Chinese population will not suffer any repression in Germany.” “This applies to Chinese facilities abroad, which have common objectives and for which we are taking appropriate measures at the national and European level,” the document reflects.

However, the authorities have stressed the importance of maintaining relations with China, who seeks to “reduce dependence in areas of vital importance to reduce the risks it entails.”

The German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, has stressed that China has changed significantly in recent years, “perhaps more than any other country”, and has stated that “anyone who listens to China now knows that it could change the course of this century “.

“We want to work with China because we need China, but China also needs Europe. This is a reality for our economic development and fair competition, and to deal with the climate crisis,” he said in a message posted on his Twitter account. Twitter.

Baerbock has stressed that the “only way to face global challenges is jointly with China.” “This national strategy is the result of countless discussions with colleagues in the German government, Parliament, in municipalities, with business, science, NGOs and our international partners. What matters now is that we all work together to bring it to life. “, he has qualified.