Follow CGSP on Social Media

Listen to the CGSP Podcast

Scholz Looks to South America to Reduce Germany’s Dependence on Chinese Critical Resources

by Eric Olander
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz gestures during a press conference with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (out of frame) at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia, January 30, 2023. Sergio Lima / AFP

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has spent the past few days crisscrossing South America in a bid to find alternative sources of critical minerals, notably lithium, that his country’s powerful auto industry now relies predominantly on China to supply. 

Over the weekend, the Chancellor embarked on a four-day tour of the region’s largest economies that included stops in Argentina, Chile and finally Brazil, where he will wrap up his visit later Tuesday.

  • Get a daily email packed with the latest China-Africa news and analysis.
  • Read exclusive insights on the key trends shaping China-Africa relations.
  • Full access to the News Feed that provides daily updates on Chinese engagement in Africa and throughout the Global South.

China, Africa and the Global South... find out what’s happening.

Subscribe today for unlimited access.

OR

Already a subscriber? Log in Click Here to Learn More

You Might Like

Will the DRC Prime Minister Break the Deadlock with China Moly? Mining Expert Géraud Neema Weighs In

1. What are the politics behind these talks that we’re not seeing? Geraud Neema: There is a stalemate between the parties namely CMOC on one side and Gecamines executive, TFM temporary administrator, and ...

U.S. Bid to Challenge China’s Dominance of the Battery Metal Supply Chain in Africa Faces Two Key Hurdles

Widely perceived as a major and concrete U.S. move to counter China in the supply chain of critical minerals in Africa, the U.S.-DR Congo-Zambia MoU signed last December in Washington, D.C., will confront significant ...

An Agricultural Trade Comparison of Africa’s Development Partners: How Does China Measure Up?

Agriculture remains the backbone of many African economies since it accounts for approximately 60% of all employment, a main earner of foreign exchange, source of both savings and tax revenues and accounts for around 40% ...

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.

Subscribe