Politics is a growing feature of Sino-German relations, but still takes a back seat to business
When German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder wanted to discuss his visit to the mainland next month with Premier Wen Jiabao last week, he used a new telephone hotline connecting Berlin with Beijing.
The installation of the secure line, modelled on the hotlines the German leader has to the White House and the Kremlin, shows how far Sino-German ties have evolved from their starting point of mutual economic interests.
Although economics and trade continue to dominate their dealings, both sides are placing increasing importance on the political aspects of the relationship.
'It seems like Gerhard Schroeder leads a big business delegation to China each year, but politics are definitely starting to play a bigger role,' said Eberhard Sandschneider, head of the China programme at the German Council on Foreign Relations.
'The leaders even appear to be developing personal contacts,' he said.
