Editorial: Le Monde

• Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz has followed more in line with Angela Merkel's approach with China than any break with her.
• The term Zeitenwende, meaning 'changing times', was used by Scholz in the context of shifting German relationships with democracies and dictatorships.
• The German approach of 'Wandel durch Handel' (change through trade) is not as effective anymore.
• Although the European Union aims to reduce risks associated with China, many German companies still see the main risk in not engaging enough in the world's second largest economy.
• Scholz's party and his Ecology Minister hold diverging stances towards China.
• Despite calling for 'open and fair competition', Scholz appears to ignore that Beijing operates primarily through force.
• Xi Jinping, far from making compromises, relies more than ever on his heavily subsidised industry to ensure economic strength despite weak domestic demand.

Conclusion: It's imperative that Scholz recognises the reservations of many European countries towards Beijing and applies the lessons from his theorised Zeitenwende.

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