German Security Expert Warns Against AfD's Push for Closer China Ties

Following the recent state elections where the AfD achieved significant gains, including victory in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, a critical debate has emerged concerning Germany's economic and security relationship with China. Japanese security expert Yoko Iwama has voiced strong concerns about the AfD's call for closer economic ties with China, arguing that this approach overlooks critical strategic risks.

Iwama highlights the dangers of Germany becoming a strategic gateway for Chinese and Russian intelligence operations, which could undermine its standing as a reliable security partner. Drawing on Japan's experience, especially its prior dependency on Russian gas, she warns Germany against similar vulnerabilities. Iwama critiques the longstanding notion of "Wandel durch Handel" (change through trade), which assumed economic engagement with China would lead to political liberalization—an expectation she says has been disproven by China's deepening authoritarianism.

While acknowledging that full decoupling from China is unrealistic, Iwama stresses the urgency of reducing over-reliance, particularly in strategic industries, to mitigate security risks. She also points to a slow governmental response compared to Japan, where companies align more readily with national strategic directives. Iwama warns against illusions of reverting to past economic strengths, emphasizing the need to adapt to the evolving geopolitical and economic landscape presented by China's rise.

These insights come at a time of political shifts in Germany, with the AfD's election successes bringing their economic stance into sharper focus, raising questions about balancing economic interests with national security imperatives.