Gogi Kamushadze
Germany stands up to China; self-censorship in the soccer world
Germany takes the lead
Germany is calling for a global anti-China coalition. Yes, you read that right. Long dismissed as Europe’s diplomatic dwarf, the continent’s economic giant is beginning to think strategically.
The language is impressive. Defense minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer wants to restart talks on a “newly consolidated Western trade alliance” in response to Chinese economic warfare.
Foreign minister Heiko Mass agrees, writing that dealing with China should be an opportunity for new transatlantic cooperation.
It’s part of a broader picture. Regarding Germany’s newfound foreign-policy awareness, Constanze Stelzenmüller notes in the FT “a new sense of urgency in Berlin.”