German firms have complained that their Chinese rivals seem driven by geopolitical rather than economic goals, the Financial Times reported. In a position paper, Germany’s Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations said Chinese firms have secured contracts in Eastern Europe and Central Asia due to "price-dumping, aggressive financing and generous risk-guarantees" provided by the Chinese government. The paper called on German leaders to pressure Beijing and European countries to make sure China does not help its exporters more than other nations. Separately, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a speech on Thursday that it was "desperately necessary" for European nations to compete more effectively with China for raw materials. The comments come at a time of increasing trade friction between the EU and China over China’s perceived currency suppression and procurement practices.
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