Dear @noahbarkin, we appreciate your insightful thoughts on possible trips by EU leaders to China. You know us Germans well: We like to take our time to reflect and discuss, sometimes a bit long… Now while I cannot confirm any specific travel plans, let me share a few thoughts.

https://twitter.com/noahbarkin/status/1571391125621018624

Like the US and many of our like-minded partners, we did not travel to the Beijing Olympics. We did not want to engage in propaganda games at a time when war in Europe was already looming and human rights in #Xinjiang and other places are grossly abused.

Germany is currently criticized for not delivering battle tanks to #Ukraine.

I take it: our communication could be better. But let us have a look at a few facts: 🧵 Germany has delivered highly efficient, heavy weapons like howitzers 2000, Gepard anti-aircraft tanks, Multiple Launch Rocket System (MARS II) and much more. Yesterday, our defense minister announced that Germany will deliver 2 more MARS II and 50 Dingo armored vehicles.

I read demands that Germany should immediately cease all imports of Russian fossil fuels and incur whatever may be the economic consequences. Given the atrocity of the Russian war, I understand. But let’s be clear about the sea change that has occurred in German foreign, security and energy policy so far. And let’s also be clear about intended and unintended consequences of an immediate ban on Russian energy imports.