The German, Chinese and EU flags fly in Berlin, Germany, in readiness for German-Chinese bilateral government talks last year. Just as Germany sits at the centre of the EU, China could one day be the leader of a future Asian Union – if it heeds the lessons of history. Photo: EPA-EFE
Opinion
Opinion
As China seeks a prosperous and peaceful rise, 20th-century Germany has lessons to offer
- After two unsuccessful world wars, Germany finally achieved its dream of European leadership by rejecting nationalistic hard power and embracing compromise
- China can do the same in the Asia-Pacific by giving up hard power and extending cooperation, free trade and economic liberalism
The German, Chinese and EU flags fly in Berlin, Germany, in readiness for German-Chinese bilateral government talks last year. Just as Germany sits at the centre of the EU, China could one day be the leader of a future Asian Union – if it heeds the lessons of history. Photo: EPA-EFE