German-Chinese Society invited to a lecture at the Hotel Residenz
Lively discussion after the lecture by the former German Consul General Dr Peter Kreutzberger
The German-Chinese Society Bocholt e.V. organised an event on the topic of "The Modern Fear of the West of the `Yellow Peril`" in cooperation with the Economic Development and City Marketing and the Europe Direct Bocholt. The speaker, Dr. Peter Kreutzberger, reported on his experiences and assessed the current situation. Consul General DU Chunguo also travelled from Düsseldorf.
The event was opened by Stefan Schlier, Chairman of the German-Chinese Society Bocholt e.V. and Mayor Thomas Kerkhoff.
From antiquity to the present
Dr. Kreutzberger drew a bow from Chinese history from the 2nd millennium B.C. to modern times. At present, he said, every country in Europe has its own peculiarities that have to be taken into account in politics, so that a uniform line is difficult. The speaker then explained the reasons for China's rise in recent years. China had already been an advanced civilisation thousands of years ago. The current Chinese leadership wants to build on this. This is reflected in a long-term plan to achieve prosperity for the country.
Conclusion
Dr. Kreutzberger concluded from his observations that China competence must be promoted in the West. In this area, he said, the Netherlands and Great Britain are more advanced than Germany. Diplomats should try to emphasise positive aspects in talks and handle difficult issues with care.
Discussion
Questions from the audience included China's demographic problem, China's relationship with Russia, the Silk Road, current German foreign policy and sanctions. These questions were answered comprehensively and completed by speeches from the audience.
About the EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt
The EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt is part of the office of the mayor of the city of Bocholt and is the local contact point for questions and engagement around the European Union. Its task is to provide local citizens with information, advice, help and answers to questions about Europe, to promote involvement and to inform them about current events in European politics.