Ambassador speech Sep. 6th, 2018 in the “Industrie-Club Düsseldorf” – Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Germany

The opportunity to get first hand information about the political and economic direction of China is not often. The “German-Chinese Business Association e.V. / Deutsch-Chinesische Wirtschaftsvereinigung e.V.” together with the “Industry Club Düsseldorf” has invited the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Mr. Shi Ming De, to a speech.

Mr. Shi Ming De started his speech with the development of China, which initially had to ensure the basic needs of its population and in 1993 still had a GDP per capita of 377 USD / year, which is expected to rise in 2018 well over 10,000 USD / year. This shows the rapid economic success of China. He quoted Bertold Brecht: “First comes the eating, then comes the moral (Erst kommt das Fressen, dann kommt die Moral)”, which shows the current effort to the moral development of China. But economic success brings new challenges. China as an economic counterweight to the major economic powers, such as the United States of America, is aware of its increasing political importance for the world order. Its new responsibility for global political stability in the context of China’s development is another complex task to manage.

China is willing to follow the principles and rules of the world order and to help shape them further, but at the same time is concerned that  fundamental rules, as currently announced in the US trade dispute, are suddenly no longer met. At the end of the speech, there was the possibility to ask questions to the ambassador, this was used extensively. The audience raised questions about China’s economic development, China’s role as a counterbalance to the United States, questions about the social credit system (scoring system for social behavior in the population) and family policy. His Excellency Mr. Shi Ming De has answered every question with a clear statement. It was a very open speech by the Ambassador, and China’s understanding and values showed many similarities. Of course, the peaceful rise of China is also in our interest. China is open to cooperate in many areas, but wishes more unity for a clear direction in Europe. If we use the possibilities offered properly, this will certainly contribute to a peaceful and stable world order and continues economic stability.