Balancing trade and economic rivalry: the future of Sino-German relations
Roles reverse as China, once reliant on German expertise, is now coming out on top.
Read more: https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/topics/china-germany-relations
As two of the world’s economic powerhouses, China and Germany have always had much to offer each other, but the economic synergy that once fuelled this partnership is being rebalanced. Today, China relies less on Germany than Germany on China. This industrial role reversal is said to be one of the most significant shifts in modern economic history.
As German Chancellor Friedrich Merz prepares for his high-stakes visit to Beijing from February 24 to February 27, 2026, he faces a new reality with the world’s second-largest economy. While China has reclaimed its title as Germany’s top trading partner, the relationship has become distorted by a record €89 billion ($105.6 billion) trade deficit. China’s economic slowdown has cut demand for German exports, as the German appetite for Chinese goods grows.