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German-Chinese relations in the spotlight

October 27, 2022

China is Germany's biggest trading partner. But the breakdown of Germany's relationship with Russia following the invasion of Ukraine has led to a more strained relationship.

https://p.dw.com/p/4Ik2R
The German and Chinese flags side by side
Image: Frank Sorge/imago images

During Angela Merkel's 16 years as chancellor between 2005 and 2021, Sino-German trade ties flourished, with Merkel, of the center-right CDU, often favoring engagement with Beijing rather than confrontation. The current coalition government under Chancellor Olaf Scholz, of the center-left SPD, however, has seen calls for a harder stance on Beijing. 

 

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