A poll released in Germany on Thursday showed that 55 percent of respondents reject the resumption of compulsory military service, an eight percentage point increase compared to 2021.
Amid the increasingly tense international security situation in recent years, particularly the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, calls for the resumption of conscription have been growing louder in the German political circle.
In response, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius recently proposed adding 50,000 to 60,000 active-duty soldiers in the Bundeswehr, the federal armed forces, to meet NATO's new round of defense capability requirements. This move is widely seen as Germany's largest military expansion in the post-war period and marks a potential fundamental shift in Germany's defense strategy.
"I am extremely worried about the current situation and hold a critical attitude. I do not agree with militarization practices, including military expansion and increased investment in military equipment," said Bernd Einmeier, expert of ThinkTank Networks GmbH and Co.
Germany established a special fund of 100 billion euros (112 billion U.S. dollars) in 2022. However, some critical voices have pointed out that in the process of expanding its military equipment, a large proportion of Germany's huge military expenditure has actually gone to U.S. military industrial enterprises rather than being used for the modernization of its own defense system.
"The 100 billion euro special defense fund we have established is actually an economic stimulus plan for the United States, because most of the money is for purchasing weapons from the United States, to buy weapons for war and destruction. In my opinion, every euro is a fundamental mistake," said Einmeier.
55 pct German respondents against resumption of compulsory military service: poll
55 pct German respondents against resumption of compulsory military service: poll
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
