Friedrich Merz warns German companies of the ‘big risk’ of investing in China

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Friedrich Merz, who is leading the race to become German chancellor, has warned German companies of 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 great risk,” said the leader of the Christian Democratic party in Berlin on Thursday. He gave his warning during a question and answer session after a far-reaching foreign policy speech that highlighted a pro-EU, Atlanticist view of Berlin’s role in the world.

“My heartfelt request to all companies . . . minimize the risk you take to avoid putting your company at risk if it causes immediate liquidation,” it said. Merz.

China was not following Western legal standards, he added.

“You have to expect big hurdles if you take this risk. I’ve talked to a lot of small and medium and very large companies . . . If you take this risk and if you have to cancel this investment in from one year to the next, please do not come to the country, under any circumstances. .

This is an ongoing story