Germany Must Resist Chinese Influence over Trade

More than a year ago, I wondered how Germany’s incoming chancellor, Olaf Scholz, would steer his country’s China policy. We can now answer this question conclusively — and the answer isn’t pretty.

On October 26, the German cabinet — led by Chancellor Scholz — allowed COSCO, China’s state-backed shipping company, to purchase a 24.9 percent stake in a container terminal at the port in Hamburg, where Scholz used to be mayor.

DW

About the Author

David Wilezol

David Wilezol is a senior fellow for U.S. foreign policy at the American Foreign Policy Council. He served as chief speechwriter to the U.S. secretary of state from 2017 to 2021.

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More than a year ago, I wondered how Germany’s incoming chancellor, Olaf Scholz, would steer his country’s China policy. We can now answer this question conclusively — and the answer isn’t pretty.

On October 26, the German cabinet — led by Chancellor Scholz — allowed COSCO, China’s state-backed shipping company, to purchase a 24.9 percent stake in a container terminal at the port in Hamburg, where Scholz used to be mayor.

DW

About the Author

David Wilezol

David Wilezol is a senior fellow for U.S. foreign policy at the American Foreign Policy Council. He served as chief speechwriter to the U.S. secretary of state from 2017 to 2021.