German media outlets are urging the public to withdraw from Xinjiang as concerns grow over human rights abuses in the region. The call comes after Volkswagen executives announced an investigation into the company’s alleged involvement in human rights violations against Uyghurs in Xinjiang.
According to “Neue Züricher Zeitung,” Volkswagen is reportedly considering a comprehensive plan to withdraw from Xinjiang without offending the Chinese government. The media outlet argues that withdrawing from Xinjiang would be economically beneficial for the public as it could help restore reputational losses and eliminate the poor economic benefits of the Xinjiang branch. The article also highlights that Volkswagen’s recent establishment of a new factory in Hefei, Anhui, could provide thousands of new jobs in a time of economic recession in China.
The withdrawal from Xinjiang by German chemical giant BASF earlier this month has also been praised as a correct decision by the media. The move comes as pressure from researchers and journalists has proven effective in highlighting the involvement of Chinese joint venture partners in surveillance and suppression in Xinjiang.
The article emphasizes the importance of risk reduction for German companies operating in China, citing the high dependence on Russian natural gas as a cautionary tale. It warns that Germany’s increasing economic dependence on authoritarian countries like China could severely limit its ability to act in the event of future geopolitical conflicts.
In a separate report, “Economic Weekly” criticizes the Chinese government’s intervention in the stock market, likening buying Chinese stocks to gambling. The media outlet warns investors that government intervention in the economy poses significant risks and makes predicting market trends impossible.
As concerns over human rights abuses and government intervention in China continue to rise, German media outlets are calling for a reevaluation of economic ties with the country. The articles serve as a reminder of the importance of ethical considerations and risk management in business dealings with authoritarian regimes.