China´s Grab for the West

China is stretching out toward Europe, firstly via the New Silk Road, the most gargantuan infrastructure project of all time and, secondly, with Chinese companies buying into key industries. Most coveted is Germany with its numerous technological market leaders. Although the Corona pandemic has slowed down its advance, nothing about its long-term goals has changed. We should actually be happy that the Chinese are investing in infrastructure and companies. But there is a lot of skepticism, and people are becoming more defensive as Beijing pursues political objectives as well and is not willing to completely open up its own markets. Christian Geinitz advises readers to keep cool. Europe does not need to close itself off again or to emulate China's dubious business conduct itself. But if the EU member states work together and acknowledge that Beijing is relying on them more than ever, then Europe can help to set the terms and grow together with China.