Friedrich Merz warns German companies of “huge risks” in investing in China
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Friedrich Merz, the leader of the German chancellor race, warned of “huge risks” for German companies investing in China.
“I say to all representatives of the German economy that the decision to invest in China is one that involves huge risks,” the Christian Democratic Party chairman said in Berlin on Thursday, during a question-and-answer session after delivering a wide-ranging foreign policy speech. sounded a warning in a speech that emphasized a pro-EU, Atlanticist vision of Berlin’s role on the global stage.
“I make a heartfelt plea to all companies . . . limit the risk you take to avoid jeopardizing your own company if an immediate write-off is triggered,” Mertz said.
He added that China did not adhere to Western standards of rule of law.
“If you take that risk, you have to expect significant disruptions. I’ve talked to numerous small and medium-sized companies as well as large companies. . . . If you take that risk and you have to write off those investments from one year to the next, then Please do not come to this state to seek help under any circumstances.
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