Germany has suggested more tensions with China in the coming years, amid expectations that Beijing will move to annex Taiwan by 2027 at the latest, according to a leaked document published by local media.
The German Economy Ministry's strategy paper warned that close economic relations between Germany and China could make Berlin vulnerable to diplomatic pressure from Beijing in the coming years, and proposed measures to reduce dependence on China, Pioneer news portal reported Thursday.
According to the document, experts suggested focusing on alternative markets and manufacturing centers.
The document stated that while China reduces its dependence on foreign partners, its economic importance to the European Union and Germany has continued to grow.
China is currently Germany's largest trading partner in goods, and bilateral trade between them will reach 245 billion euros ($256 billion) in 2021.
Last November, German Chancellor Olaf Schultz confirmed that Germany would adopt a new strategy in its relations with China, saying that it is a systematic partner and competitor.