Germany Agrees to Sell Stake in Largest Port to Communist Chinese Shipping Giant
The left-wing government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz has approved the controversial sale of a stake in the port of Hamburg to a Communist Chinese state-owned shipping giant, despite warnings from Germany’s intelligence community on becoming over-reliant on Beijing as it previously did with Moscow.
The German government appears intent on continuing the cosy relationship with China developed under former Chancellor Angela Merkel, with the cabinet of Olaf Scholz’s traffic-light coalition government approving the sale of a 24.9 per cent stake in Hamburg’s shipping container terminal to state-owned COSCO Shipping. The quarter stake is seen as a compromise from Scholz with other members of the coalition government, including the Greens and the FDP, which opposed the deal when it was originally set for a 35 per cent stake.
While proponents of the deal to sell off part of Germany’s largest, and Europe’s second-largest port have argued that the sale of the stake will give Germany a competitive edge in courting Chinese trade, it has caused consternation and concern among others, including cabinet members such as finance minister Robert Habeck, according to German public broadcaster Deutsche Welle.
A briefing note produced by Germany’s foreign ministry also took aim at the deal, warning that it “disproportionately expands China’s strategic influence on German and European transport infrastructure as well as Germany’s dependence on China.”
The warning also pointed out that under the terms of the agreement, China could possibly be allowed to take over part of the port for itself during an emergency, threatening the security of Germany and Europe.
Europe Minister of State Anna Lührmann added: “On behalf of the Foreign Ministry, I point out the considerable risks that arise when elements of European transport infrastructure are influenced and controlled by China – while China itself does not allow Germany to participate in Chinese ports.”
The head of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) think tank, Marcel Fratzscher also blasted the deal, saying”The German government is repeating the mistake of many previous federal governments” by prioritizing “short-term economic interests over long-term prosperity and prosperity and stability.”
UK to Join EU ‘Military Mobility’ Group to Transport Troops and Weapons, Claims Dutch Defence Chief
Despite officially leaving the European Union nearly three years ago, the United Kingdom will partner with the bloc on its “military mobility” unit so that it can move troops and weapons across the continent quicker, Dutch defence minister Kajsa Ollongren revealed.
Amid Britain’s continued role in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the country has allegedly signed up to a pact with the European Union on the movement of military personnel and equipment.
While no official announcement from the British government has been made as of this reporting, Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren told the Times of London that he has been in talks with UK Defence Minister Ben Wallace and the agreement will likely be announced in Brussels next month. Alongside Brexit Britian, Canada, Norway and the United States are also believed to be involved in the project.
Ollongren, speaking from a military base in England where British and Dutch personnel are currently training Ukrainian soldiers, said that the decision was “very much related to the war in Ukraine”.
“It’s a sensitive issue since Brexit,” she said, adding: “Britain was out because of Brexit but since Brexit did not change the geography, it’s very important to get you back in.
“I’m really happy that the UK will join because we are seeing right now how important the UK is, it is an important partner when it comes to military co-operation [in] aiding Ukraine.”
The Netherlands, which is organising the so-called military mobility effort, is hoping to establish Cold War-style corridors throughout Europe through which large military equipment and weaponry can be transported quickly in order to supposedly act as a deterrent for further outbreaks of war on the continent.
Hmmm LA play....