Editor’s Note:The Berliner Zeitung published an exclusive interview with Jiang Fengtitled “China’s View on Merz: Firewall Against the AfD ‘Difficultto Sustain.’”
Introduction:
The recent Germanfederal election has drawn widespread attention. In the interviewwith Berliner Zeitung, Jiang Feng analyzed the turning points inUS-Europe relations, changes in Germany’s political landscape, andthe new circumstances facing China-Germany and China-Europerelations, as well as their impacts on China-Europe relations.
China’s View onMerz: Firewall Against the AfD “Difficult to Sustain”
In China, there issurprise and interest regarding the German federal election,especially concerning the voting behavior of young voters.
The election hasattracted close attention in China. Because it coincided roughly withthe Munich Security Conference, several Chinese experts recentlytraveled to Europe for on-site analysis. Jiang Feng, researcher atShanghai International Studies University and Chairman of theShanghai Academy of Global Governance and Area Studies, attended theMunich Security Conference and also visited Paris for dialogue withFrench counterparts.
In his interviewwith Berliner Zeitung, Jiang Feng discussed the election results andtheir implications: “The firewall against the Alternative forGermany (AfD) party will be difficult to sustain in the long term.The AfD is now the second largest party nationwide and the largest infive eastern federal states. In some regions, it nearly achieved anabsolute majority. Notably, young voters predominantly supportedparties at the two extremes of the political spectrum.”
The Rise of AfD —A Turning Point in Germany’s Party System?
Jiang Feng considersthe election outcome “not overly surprising, as party powerdynamics have simplified.” The Union parties (CDU/CSU) and theSocial Democrats (SPD) can individually form a coalition government.In contrast, the “traffic light” coalition (SPD, Greens, FDP)tends to have more complex opinion formation and policymaking, whichweakens decisiveness and efficiency. However, Jiang warned that if agrand coalition “fails to deliver on expected reforms,” it willface serious difficulties and might mark “the end of establishmentparties.” He believes “the grand coalition carries the risk ofself-destruction.”
Regarding U.S. VicePresident J.D. Vance’s speech and the new U.S. foreign policy,Jiang Feng noted: “Behind Trump’s blunt rhetoric lies a clearlyinterest-driven foreign policy.” The “America First” sloganmeans “abandoning value- and morality-based diplomacy, replacingvalue politics with price politics.” This is a core feature ofTrump’s political culture and something the world still needs toadjust to.
Following Vance’sspeech, Europe seems to have begun seriously contemplating “Europeanstrategic autonomy.” Jiag observed Europe’s diplomatic postureshowing a desire to “take its strategic fate into its own hands.”Beijing has also noticed Merz’s recent remarks that Germany “mustfirst reduce dependence on the U.S.” Jiang believes that newforeign policies will also influence domestic affairs: for Europe,the key lies in “vigorously advancing economic, technologicalreform and innovation,” as improved competitiveness supports thepursuit of autonomy. By enhancing economic and security strength,Europe can play a greater role in global affairs.
China — Partnerfor European Strategic Autonomy?
In the shiftinggeopolitical landscape, Jiang Feng sees room to repositionChina-Europe relations:
“As a majorglobal political and economic power, China is clearly an importantpartner for Europe’s economic development and strengthening ofstrategic autonomy.” Therefore, he argues Europe should adjust itsChina policy to “adapt to the new situation” and “reconsiderits long-standing institutional competition-based perceptions ofChina.” He stressed, “China is indeed a strong economiccompetitor to Europe, but treating this as hostility or ageopolitical threat is inconsistent with reality. In fact, China hasno intention to suppress or threaten Europe—no Chinese person holdssuch a crazy idea.”
Jiang noticed thatFrance appears to be moving faster than Germany in policy adjustment:
“During my visitsto Paris and Munich, I felt French interlocutors hope their Germanfriends adopt a more scientific and pragmatic attitude, rather thanbeing overly influenced by values or ideology.” Compared to otherEuropean representatives, German colleagues are “more cautiousregarding EU-China exchanges, due to concerns about values orgeopolitical considerations.” They expect Germany to “show moreconfidence in Europe’s strategic autonomy” and try to “balancetransatlantic relations with other partnerships, including China.”He added, “French friends want to strengthen communication withGermany and hope to see more active German participation.”
Amid the newcircumstances, Jiang Feng believes negotiations on the China-EU FreeTrade Agreement might restart. He pointed out, “From China’sperspective, there is no reason not to push the talks forward.”Indeed, the main contents have basically been finalized and theagreement could be signed. This accords with the “common interestsof China and Europe.” He concluded, “In these turbulent times ofglobal political instability, wisdom and pragmatism in politicalactions are indispensable.”
Interviewee:Jiang Feng, Researcher at Shanghai International Studies University,Chairman of Shanghai Academy of Global Governance and Area Studies
Source:Berliner Zeitung, March 2, 2025
Translated and Reviewed by Zhang Yangyang with AI translator
