The Dangers of Germany’s Dependence on China

The country is pursuing a dual strategy. On the one hand, China gains access to state-of-the-art technology through joint ventures. On the other, it is developing the technology of the future: electric cars. Chinese companies are already world leaders in battery technology, which could give the newcomer a decisive competitive edge over established European and Japanese carmakers.

This form of cooperation has been dubbed the “concubine economy.” Just as the Chinese emperors once selected their concubines, China’s current leadership selects foreign companies and grants them the right to produce goods locally in cooperation with a domestic partner.

The People’s Republic compels the German carmakers to enter into these joint ventures. By imposing high import duties, the government prevents the Germans from simply exporting German-made cars to China. Any company interested in selling large numbers of its products is required to build factories in China with a Chinese partner, thereby giving the country access to their technology.