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

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

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China-EU relations

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

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Germany

Germany busts group suspected of procuring visas for wealthy Chinese

The network is believed to have helped a large number of Chinese nationals enter and stay in Germany, charging up to US$260,790 per case.

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German and Chinese flags are flown in front of the Federal Chancellery in Berlin in June 2023. Photo: dpa
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’.

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Germany

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

Prosecutors say they collected information on boat engines, sonar, propulsion systems for armoured vehicles and military-grade drones.

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United States

Xi seeks deeper EU ties

President Xi Jinping said he was “ready to work” with Germany’s new chancellor on boosting China’s ties with the country and the wider European Union.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Photo: EPA-EFE
China trade

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

Investment plans of surveyed firms also remain strong, and many are ‘isolating their operations in China from US exposure’, says German Chamber of Commerce in China.

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’.

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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.

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The Invest in China exhibition booth at the Hannover Messe 2025 industrial trade fair in Hannover, Germany, on March 31. Photo: Xinhua
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.

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Foreign businesses operating in Chinese business hubs such as Beijing (pictured) are worried about the impact of the US-China trade war. Photo: AFP
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’.

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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.

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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’.

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Friedrich Merz, Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting and leader of the Christian Democratic Union. Photo: Reuters
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.

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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.

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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.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer attends a bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping at the Sheraton Hotel during the Group of 20 summit in Rio de Janeiro on November 18, 2024. Photo: Reuters
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.

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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’.

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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.

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German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. Photo: dpa
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.

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A vessel passes a German chemical and pharmaceutical plant on the banks of the Rhine river in Leverkusen, Germany, on November 25. Photo: AFP
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.

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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’.

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