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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.
Beatrix von Storch of the far-right Alternative for Germany addresses a campaign rally ahead of the state election in the Marzahn-Hellersdorf borough of Berlin on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters
Germany

AfD party won big in Saxony-Anhalt. Will it affect Germany’s approach to China?

In the wake of a key state election, observers say Germany’s economic pressures will persist, no matter who is in power.

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China trade

China’s global expansion offers German firms opportunity – for now

China-EU relations

Far-right win in German election further shakes up China-EU relations

China trade

German companies want tougher EU-China policy despite supply chain reliance

The DIHK finds German firms facing Chinese competition back stronger EU action, but its trade chief warns against ‘blanket measures’.

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German companies are backing tougher EU action on China as manufacturers such as Volkswagen restructure under intensifying competition from Chinese rivals. Photo: Reuters
China exports

Job losses mount at German carmakers as China challenge grows

Automotive industry shed more than 40,000 jobs – 5.8 per cent of its workforce – in first half of year, statistical office says.

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China-EU relations

Germans emerge as Europe’s biggest China hawks as economic pain begins to bite

Some 49 per cent of those polled see China as a rival or adversary while just 38 per cent see the nation in positive terms, new survey finds.

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China-EU relations

Germany’s restful Sundays under scrutiny as Chinese imports pile on pressure

As rise of Chinese e-commerce platforms adds to pressure, having Sundays off remains protected under Germany’s Basic Law.

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A “closed again” sign is seen in a German shop window. Photo: Shutterstock
Crime

Were the German courts too soft on Chinese members of drug rape network?

The sentencing of four men to up to 14 years in prison has highlighted a very different approach to justice compared with China.

China-EU relations

EU’s trade panic over China

China’s growing trade surplus with the European Union has stoked anxieties within the bloc, driving defensive actions to protect its critical domestic markets.

China-EU relations

German government pledges to defend trade, signalling tougher China stance

Country’s ruling coalition agrees on 34-point package to revive ailing German economy as Chinese imports surge.

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union Friedrich Merz attends a news conference with other coalition leaders following a meeting in Berlin on Thursday. Photo: Reuters
JD.com

JD.com’s bid for Europe’s Ceconomy clears German hurdle but EU subsidy probe looms

Other member states have also put the deal under scrutiny, including an ongoing foreign investment clearance process in Austria and Spain.

The JD.com logo is seen on its sorting centre building in Beijing, November 11, 2025. Photo: Reuters
China-EU relations

Germany backs EU’s tough China line with call for ‘Plaza Accord’ talks on yuan

European Commission on a mission to craft tools to tackle what the bloc sees as China’s industrial excesses.

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China trade

China’s BYD challenges iconic auto giants as hybrid demand surges in Germany

A three-fold jump in BYD’s German registrations highlights shift towards lower-tariff models, as company chairman says ‘the worst is over’.

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China-EU relations

China overtakes US to become top foreign investor in Germany

Deteriorating transatlantic relationship and high energy and labour costs are making American firms think twice before moving into German market.

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President Xi Jinping welcomes German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the State Guest House in Beijing on February 25. Photo: DPA
China-EU relations

‘Phantom limb’: report blames China shock for Germany’s industrial malaise

Berlin urged to back stronger European trade instrument against a backdrop of ever-expanding economic problems.

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A report by an influential European think tank has found that, since mid-2025, Germany has been buying more capital goods from China than vice versa. Photo: DPA
China-EU relations

Merz floats EU-China deal, Trump’s new Beijing date, European lawmakers visit

This week: Germany’s Friedrich Merz envisages an eventual China-EU trade deal, new date set for Trump’s China trip and fuel prices surge amid war on Iran. Next week: European parliament sends first delegation to China in eight years, solar export subsidies end, Air China resumes North Korea flights, and more.

China-EU relations

Germany’s Merz floats EU-China trade deal as European capitals soften on Beijing

Remarks urging ‘strategic partnerships around the world’ underscore how tensions with the US are inducing a more accommodating stance.

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China-EU relations

Why the ‘China threat’ was barely mentioned in Germany’s latest state election

Baden-Wurttemberg’s car industry is facing steep job losses amid intense Chinese competition. But local candidates largely avoided blaming China.

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Candidates in the Baden-Wurttemberg state election attend a press conference in Stuttgart after the release of exit polls on March 8. Photo: AFP
Germany

Opinion | Merz’s China visit shows pragmatic diplomacy still matters

The German chancellor’s trip to Beijing suggests that Europe can de-risk from China while still pursuing mutually beneficial cooperation.

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Mainland China

Video | German leader greeted by robot dance troupe in China

Friedrich Merz’s China trip aimed to boost economic ties between Berlin and Beijing.

Germany

Editorial | Merz’s Beijing trip shows that Germany realises it needs to work with China

Stable bilateral and China-EU relations can only be positive for global stability and sustainable development in an era of turbulence.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, left, shakes hands with President Xi Jinping at the state guesthouse in Beijing on February 25. Photo: Reuters
Hangzhou

Germany’s Merz leaves China with stronger ties as Trump trade battle looms

Analysts say German chancellor’s talks in Beijing helped build rapport with Chinese leaders and halt confrontation.

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (centre) visits the Forbidden City in Beijing on Thursday. Photo: Michael Kappeler/dpa
Mainland China

‘China shock’ hits Germany as Merz joins Beijing pilgrimage

Chancellor Friedrich Merz becomes the latest European leader to visit China, as Germany contends with a surging bilateral trade deficit.

Taiwan

Merz’s China tightrope: German leader has warm words, hard questions for Beijing

German chancellor strikes diplomatic tone in Beijing meetings while pushing his hosts on subsidies, currency devaluation and Russia.

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Mainland China

Xi and Merz pledge to strengthen ties as they rebalance amid ‘turbulent’ times

After meeting Chinese leader, German chancellor calls for closer trade relations to unlock opportunities and drive economic prosperity.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) welcomes German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Beijing on Wednesday. Photo: dpa
China-EU relations

‘China shock’ hangs over German leader Merz’s first visit to Beijing

Chancellor must strike a balance between those wanting a toned-down Brussels trade policy and those backing tougher action against Beijing.

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to depart for his first official trip to China, with scheduled stops in Beijing and Hangzhou. Photo: AP
China-EU relations

Opinion | Germany’s outreach to China signals a reckoning, rather than a shift

The German chancellor realises that while China poses a long-term economic challenge, the United States is currently the more disruptive partner.

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Friedrich Merz

Video | Where next for China-Germany ties?

Roles reverse as China, once reliant on German expertise, is now coming out on top.

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