Under the title "Europe and China – partners, rivals or opponent of the system?", experts from science, politics and business discussed the future role of Europe in relation to the People's Republic of China in the Old Auditorium in Wetzlar at the end of October.
The event was organised by the Europa-Union Hessen, the Europa-Union Lahn-Dill, the Hessian State Center for Political Education and the Cultural Office of the City of Wetzlar.
Immediately during the opening speech, district chairman Sven Ringsdorf made it clear that this was not an abstract debate: China is an economic partner, but at the same time also a competitor and a political opponent of the system. Europe must develop a clear, independent strategy that takes the realities of the world economy as seriously as it does its own values.
On the podium, the following people took part in the discussion:
» Dr. Michael Leibold (Sinologist, University of Würzburg)
» Christian Dölle, Managing Director of the Weiss Group (Haiger)
» Thomas Mann, former Member of the European Parliament and Honorary Chairman of the Europa-Union Hessen
» Peter Heidt, member of the human rights advisory board of the DOSB and former member of the Bundestag
» The round was moderated by Ute Wiegand-Fleischhacker, Chairwoman of the Europa-Union Hessen.
Particular attention was paid to the remarks of Christian Dölle, who brought the perspective of a medium-sized industrial company. The Weiss Group, based in Haiger, supplies adhesive and sealant solutions to more than 65 countries – including Asia for many years. The company recently signed a letter of intent to set up a production site in Qingdao.
Mr Dölle emphasised that economic cooperation with China is a reality for many German medium-sized companies – associated with opportunities, but also with responsibility:
» "The question we face is not 'Yes or no to China?' – rather, it is how do we work with China".
» "We need proximity to markets and innovation regions. At the same time, we must also ensure technological independence. These two go hand in hand".
» "We produce in Germany, we train people, we pay taxes here and create jobs here. At the same time, we must survive in international markets. Only those who are present can stay competitive".
Mr Dölle expressed being in favour of clear European guidelines – and against partitioning and dependency:
» "The European Union needs a clear strategy to secure future-relevant basic technologies and raw material availability in Europe. That is not a task for companies".
The other panel members also underlined that the relationship between Europe and China is not one-dimensional: cooperation on climate protection, competition in key technologies, contrasts in the rule of law and human rights.
The subsequent discussion with numerous guests showed a great need for differentiated, factual positions – beyond buzzwords and alarmism.
The joint conclusion: Europe needs a clear view, stable values, strategic patience and the ability to cooperate without illusions.
