VW boss Herbert Diess warns of a confrontation course with China.
The basic attitude of the German government towards the People's Republic worries him, Diess told the "Spiegel" in an interview published on Thursday.
"We need more dialogue," demanded the VW boss.
"The Chinese leadership can also handle tough European positions - but you should talk about it - and you should understand the economic implications."
According to the VW boss, if Germany were to decouple from the People's Republic, there would be much less growth, prosperity and employment.
"Here in Germany, the extent to which our prosperity is co-financed by China is extremely underestimated."
The Chinese market is extremely important for Volkswagen.
The Wolfsburg are the industry leader there.
Despite the recent corona lockdowns and the economic slowdown in China, Diess is confident that the People's Republic will remain the engine of growth.