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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.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, left, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi greet each other before their talks in Beijing on December 8. Photo: dpa
Germany

Editorial | Time for Germany to see reason and improve relations with China

With Trump and his frequently anti-European rhetoric, Berlin should see the writing on the wall and move away from its hardline stance.

China-EU investment deal

Hitting China with tariffs should be ‘last resort’, German foreign minister says

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China-EU relations

China leans on German carmakers to help break Brussels tariff deadlock

China-EU investment deal

German foreign minister calls for end to ‘uncertainty’ on Chinese rare earths, chips

Critical minerals, semiconductors and other commodities dominate talks as Johann Wadephul begins trip to China aimed at addressing trade.

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German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (left) with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao before talks on Monday. Photo: dpa
China-EU relations

Opinion | In reaching out to China, European states can’t keep acting alone

The idea of an autonomous bloc engaging Beijing from a position of strength and independence collapses when its toothless leaders visit.

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China-EU relations

Macron’s trade ultimatum to China goes public: fix surplus or face tariffs

French president says EU could copy American protectionism, warning that a lopsided flow of goods results in China ‘effectively killing their own customers’.

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China-EU relations

Why top German diplomat’s China trip aims to manage rivalry but won’t reset ties

Critical minerals and Ukraine war expected to be top priorities as Germany’s foreign minister travels to China.

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German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is a prominent advocate for a firmer line towards Beijing. Photo: Reuters
China-EU relations

The great slowdown: Germany at a standstill as ‘China shock’ hits

As Europe’s biggest economy is pummelled by structural problems and external threats, rocky China ties are compounding the dreary picture.

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China manufacturing

Germany’s China playbook: if you can’t beat them, partner up

More than half of surveyed German firms plan deeper ties with local partners in China to match the rapid innovation cycles of domestic competitors, the German Chamber of Commerce has found.

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European Union

Opinion | Stumbling Germany needs a clear strategy on China

Berlin must ditch the fantasy that it can profit without strategic risks, stop acting like a junior partner and decide what it stands for.

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Friedrich Merz attends a federal executive committee meeting for the first time as German chancellor, at the Konrad-Adenauer-Haus in Berlin, on May 19. Photo: EPA-EFE
China-EU relations

German foreign minister in ‘last stages of coordinating’ trip to China

Johann Wadephul also states he backs a speedier form of de-risking and diversifying away from Beijing’s stronghold on critical minerals.

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German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is “confident” of rescheduled trip soon, after October visit was hastily cancelled. Photo: AFP
Germany

Premier Li Qiang urges Germany to be ‘rational and pragmatic’ on China policy

Meeting between Li and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on G20 sidelines marks a step towards mending ties.

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China-EU relations

Europe refuses to be tech ‘vassal’ of China and US, France’s Macron says

The French leader made a push for prioritising domestic players in the sector to counter ‘Chinese exclusivity’ and ‘American preference’.

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Germany

Germany courts China as rare earths stoke economic woes

Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil sought assurances on rare earth supplies from China in a bid to ease one of the challenges weighing down Germany’s sluggish economy.

German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (center left) and China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng (center right). Photo: AFP
China-EU relations

‘We need stability’: China and Germany strive to reset trade ties in Beijing

German finance minister’s trip follows a tense period for China-Europe relations, with Berlin gripped by supply chain anxieties.

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German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil and Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng pose for a photo in Beijing on Monday. Photo: Xinhua
Germany

Joint statement: the 4th China-Germany high-level financial dialogue

German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil met Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng at the fourth China-Germany high-level financial dialogue in Beijing. Below is the joint statement released by the German Ministry of Finance.

China-EU relations

Germany to ban China’s Huawei from future 6G network

Chancellor Friedrich Merz says he and France’s Macron will discuss how to gain independence from China and the US, as well as big tech firms.

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Mainland China

Germany must work with China to build trust after relations turned frosty: expert

Berlin’s foreign policy is bogged down by specifics and lacks vision, observer says.

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German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has put Beijing offside, making pointed remarks about Taiwan and voicing criticism about Beijing. Photo: EPA
Mainland China

‘Pain of division’: Germany urged to oppose Taiwan separatist acts

Wang Yi says China ‘unconditionally supported Germany’s reunification’ and it hopes Berlin will support Beijing to safeguard sovereignty.

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Rare earths

German foreign minister urges ‘fair’ rare earth, chip trade with China

Johann Wadephul, who plans to reschedule a recently cancelled Beijing trip, says Germany is committed to ensuring fair trade with China.

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China-EU relations

Germany’s Bavaria welcomes Chinese investment, state minister says

Hubert Aiwanger, Bavaria’s minister for economic affairs, says state hosts around 500 Chinese companies that have created thousands of jobs.

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (left) is introduced to a BMW iX3 car by BMW CEO Oliver Zipse (centre) as Bavarian State Premier Markus Soeder looks on at the IAA Mobility international motor show in Munich on Tuesday. Photo: AFP
Diplomacy

Opinion | China’s trade charm offensive falls on deaf ears among US security allies

Centuries of shared identity, security integration and cultural allegiance bind these nations irreversibly to the US strategic architecture.

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US President Donald Trump attends a Nato summit in The Hague, Netherlands, on June 25. Photo: Reuters
Germany

China espionage trial in Germany exposes far-right links and arms secrets

The Dresden trial of two suspected Chinese spies has been deemed ‘unprecedented’ for exposing Beijing’s espionage in German politics and military.

China-EU relations

Red Sea laser row rumbles on as China denies warship targeted German plane

Defence ministry says Berlin’s accusation that the PLA shone a laser at an aircraft in the Red Sea is ‘inconsistent with the facts’.

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China-EU relations

Berlin says Chinese ship targeted German plane with laser over Red Sea

Beijing’s ambassador to Germany has been summoned over the incident that reportedly took place during an EU-led mission.

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The Chinese national flag waves in front of Beijing’s embassy in Berlin in April 2024. Photo: AP
China manufacturing

Cheerleaders to critics: German machinery makers call for EU action on China

Industry urges Brussels to impose trade barriers to protect it, saying ‘China is not playing fair, and politicians must respond to this’.

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As exports dwindle, a German industry group has called for government intervention to create a level playing field with China. Photo: AFP
Germany

Opinion | Why Germany’s leader called China’s over Ukraine – and why it matters

By inviting China into the equation on Ukraine, Merz is acknowledging that those who can shape outcomes – however flawed – must be engaged.

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China-EU relations

Xi urges ‘new chapter’ in German ties in call with chancellor amid US trade war

In first call with Germany’s Friedrich Merz, Xi Jinping calls for ‘fair, transparent and non-discriminatory’ environment for Chinese firms.

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