Germany’s national security strategy published today states that China acts against Germany’s interests and values.
According to Germany, Russia is the biggest threat to its national security in the foreseeable future. The assessment is included in the first national security strategy published by the German government today.
It goes through the military, economic and social risks facing Germany and how to respond to them.
When presenting the strategy, the Chancellor Olaf Scholz highlighted the three most important issues in guaranteeing Germany’s security.
– First of all, the strength of democratic institutions. Second, the strength of our economy. And third, the cohesion of our society, Scholz said.
Transatlantic alliance and alliance with EU countries are key issues from a security perspective. Separately, the Chancellor highlighted the partnership with France and the United States, reports German broadcasting company ARD.
Germany states in its assessment that certain countries are trying to undermine the international order. The means are, for example, influencing elections and interfering with political decision-making.
One example is Russia, which is trying to undermine European democratic societies and weaken the European Union and NATO.
A “balanced approach” to China
According to Germany, China is increasingly trying to use its economic power to change the current rules-based world order. In the strategy document, China, which strives to shape the world order, is accused of acting against Germany’s interests and values.
– Regional stability and international security are under increasing pressure, and human rights are not respected, the report says.
In relation to China, however, the government supports a “balanced approach”. China is both a partner and a competitor for Germany. According to Germany, global challenges and crises cannot be solved without China.
National security will be a priority in Germany’s budget negotiations in the next few years, says the country’s finance minister Christian Lindner.
Next year, Germany wants to achieve its goal of spending two percent of its gross domestic product on defense spending.
Sources: AFP, Reuters, AP