TOPIC

China-Germany relations

China-Germany relations
Breaking news and analysis on China-Germany relations, covering trade, investment and the impact of wider issues such as EU-China relations, people-to-people exchange, human rights, security, and conflicts over alleged unfair competition.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz told the Bundestag on Wednesday that Germany’s ties with China were being “shaped by systemic rivalry and power politics”. Photo: AP
China-EU relations

Germany’s new chancellor to pursue ‘strategic de-risking’ from China

With ‘international order changing profoundly’, Friedrich Merz says China’s relations with Russia are an area of ‘great concern’.

16
Germany

3 Germans go on trial over hi-tech spying for China

China trade

German firms in China hit by tariffs, but ‘in China for China’ paying off: poll

China-EU relations

China-Germany ties enter ‘new chapter’, President Xi says in congratulating Merz

China’s president tells new chancellor their countries’ relationship can ‘guide China-EU cooperation in the right direction’.

videocam
4
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks during the handover ceremony at the Chancellery in Berlin on Tuesday. The new German government is expected to be formed between the Union parties of Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) and the coalition partner, Social Democratic Party (SPD). Photo: EPA-EFE
US-China trade war

Survey finds 86% of German firms in China affected by tariff increases

While many are adopting a wait-and-see approach, 38% are stepping up localisation efforts in China.

16
China trade

US, EU, German business chambers in China brace for ‘long-lasting’ trade war

Some say China-US strife offers an opportunity for other third countries to re-evaluate their relationship with China.

videocam
18
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Espionage

Chinese agency briefs German diplomats, business community on anti-espionage law

Ministry of State Security says recent presentation was part of efforts to foster ‘internationally friendly business environment’.

videocam
The briefing was held amid calls for more clarity on the implications of the revised law for foreign businesses operating in China. Photo: dpa
Diplomacy

Opinion | As US-led globalisation falters, China-Europe relations can flourish

Western leaders committed to the rules-based order must promote dialogue with Beijing while quietly upholding values now rejected by Washington.

videocam
Two Sessions 2025

Exclusive | Why Germany’s Merz could take ‘more rational’ approach to China

Former envoy Wu Ken is optimistic about likely chancellor’s focus on trade and economy, and perception of Beijing as ‘indispensable partner’.

4
China trade

China trade team visits Germany to discuss cars after election and tariff spats

Discussions seen following increased vigilance on both sides toward US import tariffs by the Trump administration.

A Chinese trade group headed to Germany on Monday to discuss cooperation in the automotive space. Photo: Reuters
Fudan University

China eager to engage with Germany to boost EU ties after Merz election win

Beijing is projecting itself as a reliable force to help inject ‘new vitality’ into China-EU relations as transatlantic relations wobble.

videocam
Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party leader Friedrich Merz speaks at party headquarters in Berlin on Sunday after exit poll results were announced for the 2025 general election. Photo: Reuters
China-EU relations

Why a post-election shift in Germany’s China policy is no longer a sure bet

Front runner Friedrich Merz has long been expected to take a hawkish stance, but Trump and electoral maths may limit his room for manoeuvre.

6
US-China relations

Opinion | Will Trump succeed in containing China – or fuel its rise?

Years of sanctions and blacklists have only forced China to adapt and even thrive, from making tech breakthroughs to expanding diplomatic clout.

videocam
8
Germany

Germany charges 3 with spying on naval tech for China

They allegedly gathered information on boat engines, sonar, drones and other technologies and illegally exported specialised lasers to China.

8
A sign is seen at the entrance to the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office building in Karlsruhe in June 2019. Photo: dpa
China-EU relations

Will Merz’s tough talk on China fizzle out if he becomes leader of Germany?

With opposition leader Friedrich Merz likely to be Germany’s next chancellor, experts weigh in on whether his tough China stance will hold.

videocam
15
Friedrich Merz has advocated for improved coordination with major European allies to rethink ties with China. Photo: dpa
Britain

Opinion | Britain’s pivot towards Beijing is an economic imperative

Britain desperately needs China’s help to revive its economy, but London risks trading Brussels for Beijing as the overseer of its fortunes.

videocam
23
China trade

German firms seek fair competition in China as profits become ‘razor thin’

Automotive industry remains a cornerstone of German investment, but its carmakers are being challenged by local electric vehicle innovators.

videocam
36
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
China-EU relations

‘Chinese support for Russia’ hitting ties, German foreign minister tells Wang Yi

Annalena Baerbock also warns that Russia is dragging Asia into Ukraine war, saying ‘this is not in China’s interests either’.

videocam
52
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi greets Germany’s Annalena Baerbock, in Beijing on Monday. Photo: dpa
Diplomacy

Germany’s Baerbock slams China’s support for Russia ahead of Beijing trip

China is going against our core European interests by providing economic and military aid to Russia,’ Baerbock said on Sunday.

videocam
40
European Union

Macroscope | Why Germany has more to fear from a second Trump term than China

A widening trade war would further destabilise Europe’s largest economy as it struggles with stagnation, declining exports and geopolitical tensions.

videocam
Germany

Opinion | EV tariffs and Ukraine war weigh heavily on Germany-China relations

Domestic political and economic woes, the prospect of greater geopolitical uncertainty and a trust deficit are hampering ties.

videocam
Illustration: Craig Stephens
G20

At G20, China’s Xi Jinping meets with leaders of Germany, France, Argentina

Germany’s Scholz stresses the importance of ‘a level playing field for companies on all sides’.

videocam
42
In Brazil, China’s President Xi Jinping, left, speaks to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the G20 summit. Photo: dpa
Germany

Opinion | German coalition’s collapse could trigger economic ruin beyond Europe

Germany’s trajectory depends on its next chancellor overcoming ideological divisions to champion economic pragmatism and structural reform.

videocam
4
China-EU relations

Exclusive | German foreign minister expected to make crucial visit to China in coming days

Both sides have ‘plenty to discuss’, says insider, amid EV deliberations in Europe and conflicts in Ukraine and Mideast.

videocam
26
China economy

Macroscope | Why Germany’s economic issues run just as deep as China’s

Beijing and Berlin need to restore confidence in their economies, but political and ideological resistance to rises in public spending runs deep.

videocam
Shoppers browse at a street market in Alexanderplatz in Berlin on September 25. Germany’s business outlook has worsened again, reinforcing fears that Europe’s biggest economy is in recession with no quick rebound in sight. Photo: Bloomberg
China-Middle East relations

At UN, China’s Wang expresses support for Lebanon after fatal Israeli strikes

Foreign minister also meets with German and Hungarian diplomats to discuss proposed EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports.

videocam
31
Chinese Foreign Minister speaks during a “Summit of the Future” session at the UN in New York on Monday. Photo: EPA-EFE
China-EU relations

Germany lobbies fellow EU members to vote against tariffs on Chinese EVs

Efforts by Berlin come as China’s commerce minister is in Europe amid the trade dispute.

videocam
6
Taiwan

PLA slams Germany for sailing ships through Taiwan Strait, citing security risks

Mainland Chinese military command accuses German naval ships of sending ‘erroneous signals’ as Western nations assert presence in region.

videocam
255
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement