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Merkel’s pending departure adds uncertainty to China’s European relations, observers say
- The question is whether German chancellor’s successor will continue to cooperate with Beijing or favour closer ties with Washington, Chinese researcher says
- China has increased its engagement with Europe in recent months as its relationship with the United States has nosedived
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China is preparing for a future without German Chancellor Angela Merkel as its looks to build closer ties across Europe amid a turbulent period for diplomatic relations around the world, analysts say.
The German leader is set to step down in 2021 after what will be more than 15 years in power, and her departure will bring to an end a cooperative – if not always trouble-free – relationship with Beijing, which must now wait and see if her replacement adopts a similar stance or favours building closer ties with the United States.
Cui Hongjian, director of European studies at the China Institute of International Studies in Beijing, said China would have to adapt to possible changes in its relationships both with Germany and the European Union in a post-Merkel era.
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“The uncertainty is whether her successor will continue to cooperate with China or support closer transatlantic relations,” he said.
“With the current US-China rivalry, Germany is facing harder choices. But its new leader needs to be careful not to forget the country’s long history of cooperation with China or rush into any hasty decisions.”
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