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Merkel backs Xi on need to avoid new cold war, but presses China on human rights, transparency
- ‘I’d very much wish to avoid the building of blocs,’ German leader tells World Economic Forum amid calls for US-Europe alliance to counter China
- Chancellor cites China’s information release on Covid-19 as an example of lack of transparency, but expresses support for new investment agreement
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German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she agrees with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the need to avoid a new cold war amid calls for a transatlantic alliance between US and Europe to counter China, but says she will continue to press Beijing on human rights and transparency.
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“The Chinese president spoke yesterday, and he and I agree on that,” she told the World Economic Forum on Tuesday evening. “We see a need for multilateralism.”
Diplomatic observers said Merkel was expressing her vision of how the EU should handle relations with China amid suggestions the US and European Union should form an alliance to counter Beijing, which they both regard as a rival.
The German leader was referring to Xi’s speech on Monday, when he called for setting aside ideological differences, avoiding a new cold war and promoting multiculturalism. The remarks were made as the Joe Biden administration in the US was busy trying to repair ties with allies troubled by the Trump presidency.
Biden has this week spoken to several European leaders, including Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, as his top foreign policy officials seek a more coordinated approach with US allies on China strategy.
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