Germany presents long-awaited strategy on China as a rival and partner

BERLIN (AP) — The German government has presented a long-awaited strategy for relations with China that points to a “systemic rivalry” with the Asian power and a need to reduce risks of economic dependency, but highlights Berlin’s desire to work with Beijing on global challenges such as climate change. The 64-page document approved by Chancellor OIaf Scholz’s Cabinet on Thursday builds on Germany’s first national security strategy, issued a month ago. Scholz’s three-party coalition had pledged when it took office in late 2021 to draw up a “comprehensive China strategy.” Germany has Europe’s biggest economy and is the 27-nation European Union’s most populous member.