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Friedrich Merz, the favorite in the race for the post of German chancellor, warned German companies about the “big risk” of investing in China.
“I say to all representatives of the German economy that the decision to invest in China is a decision that involves a great risk,” said the leader of the Christian Democratic Party in Berlin on Thursday. He delivered his warning during a question-and-answer session after a far-reaching foreign policy speech that outlined a pro-European, Atlanticist vision of Berlin’s role on the global stage.
“My sincere request to all companies . . . limit the risk you take to avoid jeopardizing your own company if it causes an immediate write-off,” he said Merz.
China did not adhere to Western standards of the rule of law, he added.
“You have to expect major disruptions if you take this risk. I talked to a whole range of small and medium-sized, as well as very large companies. . . If you take this risk and if you have to write off these investments year after year, then please do not come to the country under any circumstances. . . for help.”
This is a developing story
