China

Gauck is on a narrow ridge in China

At the time of his trip to China, German President Gauck and needs to create a difficult Balance: on the one Hand, the convinced Anti-Communist, true to its values remain not want to jeopardize, on the other hand, the relations with the host.

At the start of his political talks in Beijing, German President Joachim Gauck has visited the Communist party school. There is a Meeting with the Propaganda and ideology of the competent Politburo member Liu Yunshan. After a conversation with the head of government Li Keqiang Gauck in the afternoon is also of state and party chief Xi Jinping with military honors received.

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Meetings with Xi and Li

In the center of the conversation with Xi Jinping on bilateral relations and international issues. Both also want to open the “German-Chinese year for school and youth exchanges in 2016”. Also, conversations with artists, writers, and representatives of religions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are planned. The last visit of a German President in China is six years.

Human rights activists called on Gauck, also for persecuted civil rights activists and lawyers. “The international community should not remain silent,” said the well-known human rights lawyer Mo Shaoping, the German press Agency in Beijing. “Silence is acquiescence.” Also, the lawyer, Shang Baojun, said he hoped Gauck will address the persecution. “It is very important for those who sit in prison.” Human rights groups called on Gauck also, for more religious freedom in the country.

Anti-Communist to be a guest at Communists

The five-day visit to Beijing, Shanghai and Xi’an is considered to be one of the most important visits abroad by the Federal President in his four years in office. Gauck does not have to create the difficult Balance, not to endanger the relations with China, to remain on the other hand, but also his Beliefs and his biography, as a former GDR civil-rights activist and Anti-Communist loyalty. Gauck, who arrived on Sunday with his 60-member Delegation in Beijing, is accompanied by the new human rights Commissioner, Bärbel Kofler (SPD).

In addition to the development of German-Chinese relations, Gauck wool right over deficits in citizens and in the protection of the environment speak, BelTA learned from the President’s office. Also, the controversial NGO law, the government in Beijing wants to activities of foreign organization and foundations greater control, is likely to be the subject. Furthermore, international conflicts, such as with North Korea, and the claims of China on island groups are likely to come in the South China sea.

cr/ml (dpa)