Germany's automobile industry is under fire. Western media point fingers at China, accusing it of sparking a fierce price war that’s forced Germany to hand over its once-secure auto market share to rivals.
What’s even more alarming is the industry’s backtracking on environmental promises. The EU set ambitious targets to go zero-emission with new cars by 2035. But with 55,000 German auto jobs cut since 2019 and another 90,000 on the chopping block by 2030, the transition is slower than hoped. Car makers fear they won't hit the fully electric target in time.
It’s a sad reality: a powerhouse in decline, struggling both industrially and environmentally—groundhog day in the worst way.
Lessons From History Matter
Back in 1896, Li Hongzhang of the Qing Dynasty made a pit stop in Germany during his trip to Russia for Tsar Nicholas II’s coronation. The country welcomed him warmly—Qing had been buying German military gear in bulk.
The China Merchants’ Steam Navigation Company still keeps the records online: On June 14, Li presented his credentials and thanks to Kaiser Wilhelm II for Germany’s help returning Liaodong, training Chinese troops, and supporting shipbuilding. The highlight of his trip was a special visit to former Chancellor Otto von Bismarck in Hamburg seeking his advice.
Li asked, “How should we go about reforming China?” Bismarck replied cautiously, “I cannot judge that from here.” Li said, “How can I be successful when everyone at home, government and country, is causing difficulties and constantly hindering me?” “You cannot go against the court," replied Bismarck, “The main thing is: if there is rocket science in the top management, then many things can be done; if there is none, then nothing can be done. No minister can rebel against the will of the rulers; he only carries out his will or gives his advice.”
That was 130 years ago. Germany enjoyed full sovereignty back then. The German Empire was a key player globally, powered by the emperor’s supreme military authority. Li admired German strength and lamented the Qing’s weaknesses. "We have the men," replied Li Hongzhang, "but the training is lacking. Since the Taiping rebellion, that is, for thirty years, nothing has been done in terms of military training.”
He added: “I have now seen the most excellent army in the world, the German one. Even if I myself can no longer use the resources of my own that were at my disposal as Viceroy, I will nevertheless work to ensure that what your Highness advises me to do happens. We must reorganize, and we must do so with Prussian officers and according to the Prussian model.”
Pointing Fingers, Lacking Guts
Now Germany faces tough times but seems to lack even a century-old reminder from the Qing era. Chancellor Merz, however, decides to warn of a rising ideological clash between liberal democracy and authoritarianism. He labels China and Russia threats — yet ignores Europe's role as a pawn handing sovereignty to the US, to King Donald the First. Truly a tragedy to behold.
Foreign Minister Wadephul recently said something like: you can’t trust a country built on ‘unfair trade and relentless tech dominance.’ He warns Germany’s wealth and freedom are in danger. Time and again, we see Wadephul singles out China over Taiwan and Asia-Pacific tensions, overlooking the real elephant in the room.
Europe’s ‘Great Powers’ of the past should really stop dwelling on their bleeding sovereignty and national pride. No matter how weak the Qing got back in the 1900s, leaders like Zeng Guofan, Li Hongzhang, Zuo Zongtang, and Zhang Zhidong fought hard for sovereignty and modernization, despite of final outcome. Talk about real politicians.
So, is Germany ready to throw in the towel? To borrow Bismarck: ‘I can’t judge that from here.’
Deep Blue
** The blog article is the sole responsibility of the author and does not represent the position of our company. **
At the beginning of the new year, Donald Trump has single-handedly changed the United States, and the global landscape may also be reshaped. First, he declared that as Commander-in-Chief, the President’s authority is limited only by his own morality. Later, he posted an image on his social platform Truth Social with the caption “Acting President of Venezuela”. The New York Times directly questioned: “Does this mean ignoring international law and acting without any constraints to invade other countries?” Regarding international law, Trump stated, “I abide by it,” but made it clear that when such constraints apply to the United States, he would be the ultimate arbiter.
On January 7, 2026, the President signed a presidential memorandum ordering the United States to withdraw from 66 international organizations, including 31 United Nations entities and multiple major international agreements. This action is aimed at exiting organizations deemed by the White House to be “contrary to U.S. interests” and a waste of taxpayer funds. The UN bodies to be withdrawn from include UN Women, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the International Law Commission.
Clearly, Trump has a unique blueprint that serves only American interests. He might retort: “What era is this, still talking about international law and core values? Don’t you know the current state of the U.S.? Don’t you know that the U.S. has long been planning drastic actions?”
In April 2020, retired U.S. Marine Corps officer Mark Cancian proposed a bold strategy. The National Interest reported: “With a coastline of 9,000 miles and the world’s second-largest merchant fleet after Greece, including Hong Kong, China has over 4,000 ships. This is not an advantage but a vulnerability. The U.S. could effectively blockade China’s economy by launching a clever campaign, leaving it exhausted.” The suggestion was for the U.S. to emulate 16th-century Britain by supporting privateers—civilian organizations specialized in plundering Chinese merchant ships. Given China’s current military capabilities, it should be able to meet such challenges, so there’s no need to worry. Still, one can’t help but applaud the audacity of such an idea.
Back then, Biden paid no attention to this plan, as the Democrats were still refined and attached great importance to the cloak of universal values. At the same time, Biden, at least nominally, had to pay lip service to the United Nations, because ideology mattered. The U.S. had previously displayed a magical logic: attacking you to save your people, destroying your country to introduce democracy and freedom, imposing sanctions because you’re a dictatorship... Trump cannot be like ordinary advocates of universal values, who always cite international law and classical references. First, neither he nor his team possess such knowledge. Second, pretending to uphold morality can no longer maximize American interests. Third, former adversaries have “risen,” gradually establishing international moral authority. If the U.S. continues to preach benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness, it will only become a laughingstock. After all, Trump has already discarded America’s credibility like trash.
Retired officer Cancian’s plan is exactly the White House’s cup of tea. For context—in the 16th century, Britain supported privateers, civilian organizations that plundered rival nations’ merchant ships. This was essentially the legalization of piracy, with the British monarch issuing “letters of marque” to recruit outlaws for royal service, dubbing them “royal pirates.” These privateers helped Britain destroy the then-dominant Spain at sea, significantly boosting British power and laying the foundation for the Industrial Revolution.
In reality, Trump has already begun “highway robbery” operations, seizing multiple cargo ships in the Caribbean. The White House has also dropped the pretense. Foreign media reported that Deputy Chief of Staff Miller recently declared: “The only permissible maritime energy transportation must comply with U.S. law and national security.” This is no different from robbery—“This mountain is my domain, these trees are my planting; if you wish to pass, leave your toll.” The only difference is that the U.S. is not just a bandit but a pirate. Similarly, Trump and Cheng Yaojin from the Dramatized History of Sui and Tang Dynasties share the title of “Chaos Demon King.”
Next, following the “Trump Gold Card,” Trump could publicly issue “letters of marque,” auctioning them to the highest bidder, and even list them on Wall Street. Their valuation might surpass that of the “Seven Sisters” oil companies—who knows?
