Volkswagen CEO: The German federal government seriously underestimates China's contribution to German prosperity

[Global Times Comprehensive Report] The June 30th article in Germany's "Spiegel" Weekly, the original title: "Without business exchanges with China, inflation will further intensify" Dis, CEO of German Volkswagen Group, criticized the Chinese line of the German federal government It has seriously underestimated China's contribution to Germany's prosperity.

"Mirror": You are more and more sandwiched between the new front of the United States and the East and the East and the East and West. Which country do you feel closer to?

Dis: All major markets are important to us. In the United States, we still have the greatest potential for the first time in the United States. As a growth market and innovation driving force, China is indispensable for us.

"Mirror": You often warn the formation of geopolitical groups between the United States and China. Should a business owner like you bring western values ​​to the world more?

Dis: Both of them are required, we should also bring the values ​​of the East to the West. We should mediate between two groups -and wake up Germany. Our country has seriously underestimated China's contribution to Germany's prosperity. If we want to be "decoupled", Germany will look completely different -our growth, prosperity and employment will be much less. For example, Volkswagen hires 20,000 to 30,000 R & D personnel in Germany, half of which are Chinese customers, and the profit of 4 billion euros per year comes from China. I always tell me the executive: a large part of your bonuses are generated in China.

"Mirror": West paid a high price for this dependence.

Dis: My opinion is different. China is now more economical. For the first time, we can set up a wholly -owned company. We can contribute to change through localization.

"Mirror": Since June 21, (the United States) has implemented import ban on all products produced by Xinjiang. Volkswagen also has a factory there. Are you affected by the ban?

Dis: No, because we have no suppliers in Xinjiang ... Volkswagen Xinjiang Factory was established in 2012: The Chinese government hopes to industrialize in the underdeveloped regions, and we also want to be part of it. I still think that we should stay there, because withdrawal is not good for anyone.

"Mirror": The Federal Economic Ministry of Economic Affairs no longer provides guarantee for the public's investment in China. When you pay a high price, will this factory be left?

Dis: I am even more worried about the German government's attitude towards China, as well as the world economy facing decline. I think inflation, energy shortage and interest rates are very problematic globally. If there is no business with China, inflation will further intensify. We need more conversations. (Author Simon Hig, etc., Aoki Translation)