In 2023, the German economy is in serious trouble, and it is nicknamed the "sick man of Europe". According to data released by the German Federal Statistical Office, Germany's GDP will decline by 0.0 in 2023 after ** adjustment3%。The reason for this is that despite the decline in the ** level in Germany, prices in all areas of the economy remain high, inhibiting economic growth. At the same time, the production of raw materials has also had a great impact on the German manufacturing industry.
Although the economic growth in France and the United Kingdom is not ideal, it at least remains positive. In contrast, the economic downturn in Germany is worrying. This has raised questions and criticism of Scholz's administration, arguing that he has wasted 16 years of work by his predecessor, Angela Merkel, in just two years in office. However, it is not objective to blame one person for the plight of the German economy, and in fact Germany has encountered a series of challenges and difficulties.
As a manufacturing powerhouse, Germany's Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022 and the energy crisis in Europe have dealt a major blow to the German economy. Energy has caused German industry to lose 30% of its production capacity, especially the energy-based chemical industry, which has suffered more than 50% of the loss. The powerful German manufacturing industry was almost crushed. This also raises people's confusion about why in the era of globalization, the manufacturing industry of a large country can be so easily paralyzed.
However, that's not the biggest problem. In the face of such a grim situation, Germany did not grasp the correct direction, which led to the further deterioration of the situation. The more critical issue is the pressure on the global economy and the policy of decoupling and disconnection. Germany has been forced to choose between the United States and China, and Germany's mysterious operation is worrying.
To alleviate the plight of the German economy, Scholz visited China in November 2023. However, the visit did not yield the desired results. Germany desperately needs China's support, but they are reluctant to admit it openly and just rush through a day's visit. This kind of cover-up is easy to detect and does not lead to real collaborative results. In contrast, France's Macron's visit to China in April was not only seven months earlier than Germany's, but also had three full days to spare, which is obviously more pragmatic and sincere than Germany.
Recent news suggests that Scholz will lead another business delegation to China on April 15-16. The visit meant a remedy for the previous shortcomings, but in the process of redressing it, Scholz's mystery was worrying. Does Scholz's visit to China before his visit to the United States mean that he should first seek the opinion of the United States? Some experts say that after Merkel, Germany seems to be missing a firm leadership. If Scholz remains secretive during his visit to China, the German economy will also face difficulties in 2024.
However, the problems of the German economy are not impossible to solve without China. The Germans should be determined to achieve so-called "strategic autonomy" and boldly cooperate with any country that is willing to cooperate, proceeding from their own economic interests. Rather than relying solely on the United States, Germany should move away from its dependence on specific countries in international cooperation and be more proactive in seeking cooperation opportunities.
Scholz's upcoming visit to China has attracted much attention. People are curious about what the outcome of the visit will be. It is worth looking forward to Germany showing greater sincerity and determination to carry out broader and deeper cooperation with China. Only in this way will Germany be able to emerge from its current predicament and achieve a strong and resilient economy.
As an economic power in Europe, Germany is facing severe challenges and dilemmas. The economic downturn and the energy crisis have put Germany in a difficult position. As German Chancellor, Scholz is under tremendous pressure and responsibility, and more decisive and forceful measures need to be taken. Rather than relying on the United States or China, Germany should proceed from its own interests, achieve strategic autonomy, and actively seek opportunities for international cooperation, so as to truly get out of the predicament and regain its economic strength. It is hoped that Scholz will play a greater role in his upcoming visit to China and contribute to the recovery and prosperity of the German economy. It is believed that with the joint efforts of both sides, the cooperation between Germany and China will be further deepened and new vitality will be injected into the development of the world economy.