ExclusiveGerman carmakers want to compete with China but it must be a ‘fair fight’: envoy Patricia Flor

Lack of a level playing field is underlying issue of overcapacity and healthy competition will lead to innovation, Berlin’s representative in Beijing says

In a wide-ranging interview, the ambassador shares her thoughts on relations between the two countries, from differences to common ground

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Patricia Flor, Germany’s ambassador to China. Photo: German Embassy, Beijing

Chow Chung-yanin Beijing,Wendy Wuin BeijingandZhuang Pinghuiin Beijing

Published: 6:00am, 13 May 2024Updated: 9:49am, 13 May 2024

Patricia Flor, German ambassador to China, talks to the Post in the wake of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s pivotal visit to China in April. The conversation delves into the spectrum of shared understandings and points of contention between the two countries, including overcapacity, Ukraine, climate change and the sensitive topic of espionage arrests.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to China generated a lot of discussion. Some said it was very successful while others criticised him for not being tough enough on issues such as the Ukraine war. What do you think both sides achieved from this trip?

We live in a very difficult geopolitical environment. It is essential that our leaders meet and discuss directly and regularly.

Although we do have differences on issues such as the Russian invasion into Ukraine or the situation in the Middle East, diplomatically, it is very much necessary to discuss and find some common messages nonetheless, which we did.