German Foreign Minister Cancels China Visit Amid Lack of Interest

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has canceled his planned trip to China, originally scheduled for Sunday, after officials couldn't arrange enough meetings to make the visit worthwhile. The cancellation comes as tensions rise over China's rare earth export restrictions and its influence on Russia's war in Ukraine.

A German Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced the decision during a press conference but wouldn't say which side was responsible for the failed arrangements. "We will postpone the visit to a later time," she said, adding that Germany regrets this development.

The timing is particularly sensitive. Germany has growing concerns about China's restrictions on rare earth metal exports - materials that are crucial for everything from wind turbines to electric car batteries. These metals are essential for Germany's green energy transition, and China controls about 60% of global rare earth mining.

But there's another layer here. The spokesperson emphasized that Germany sees China as a country "with influence over Russia in its war against Ukraine." This suggests the canceled meetings might have included discussions about China's role in the conflict and potential pressure on Beijing to use its leverage with Moscow.

For European businesses and policymakers, this diplomatic hiccup highlights a bigger challenge. Germany needs China for critical materials and trade relationships, but it also wants China to take a stronger stance against Russia's invasion. Walking that line has become increasingly difficult as the war drags on.

The rare earth issue alone carries significant economic stakes. If China tightens these restrictions further, it could slow down Germany's renewable energy projects and hurt its automotive industry's shift to electric vehicles. German companies are already looking for alternative suppliers, but that takes years to develop.

Neither side has announced when the rescheduled visit might happen, leaving both diplomatic and economic questions hanging in the air.