[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the German Bundestag stated that Germany can establish sophisticated channels for North Korea's return to the denuclearization negotiation table.
Norbert R?ttgen, the chairman, said during a video conference with the Korea-Germany Youth Network on the 6th (local time), "The recent situation is extremely difficult and requires a lot of patience," but added, "Germany is different from the United States and there is an opportunity."
R?ttgen emphasized, "The United States faces an immediate risk of conflict, making even small steps toward building trust very difficult. Germany, however, has no geopolitical interests, maintains a moderate relationship with China, is an ally of the United States, and has historical experience, which provides an opportunity to establish sophisticated and small channels with North Korea." He also added that North Korea might show willingness in this regard.
He expressed hope that small progress could be made by exercising patience and avoiding escalating tensions. He said, "If Germany can muster patience and energy, it can achieve small progress in a way that does not heighten tensions."
Regarding the relationship between South Korea and Germany, he diagnosed it as being in a sandwich situation. R?ttgen said, "With China's rise, the camp of democracies and the opposing camp have entered a systemic competition, and South Korea, as one of the few democracies in Asia, is in a sandwich situation, being an ally of the United States while economically influenced significantly by China."
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