'China hardliner' is not a commendatory term: Global Times editorial

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock paid a visit to China from 14 to 16 April. This is the first official visit to China by Baerbock, who is widely seen as a hardliner on China. She first went to Tianjin to visit German companies, then took the high-speed train to Beijing with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang.

The outside world is highly interested in how this visit will affect the document and what stance Germany will take in dealing with China. Third, French President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly stated after his visit to China that Europe must strengthen its strategic autonomy and should not become a "vassal."

These remarks have caused shock in Europe and the US, and in fact opened up a major foreign policy debate among European political elites.

In this context, some voices of American and Western public opinion, especially the former, very much hope that Baerbock will show toughness during her visit to China so as to "offset" the "negative impact" of Macron's visit.

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