German Economy Minister Visits China, Advocates Establishing a "Modern Partnership" with Competitor China
On Wednesday, as German Economy Minister Lindner began her three-day visit to China, she stated her intention to advocate for establishing a "modern partnership" with China. According to AFP, China was once the engine driving Germany's economic growth but has now become a strong competitor.
Speaking in Beijing on Wednesday, the conservative CDU-affiliated economy minister said, "Especially during times of global uncertainty, dialogue, trust, and robust partnerships are crucial." She added that modern cooperation must be "based on openness, competition, and mutual benefit."
Ms. Lindner is leading a delegation of approximately 35 business leaders and four members of the Bundestag on this visit, who will hold political talks in Beijing and Guangzhou, participate in forums with business representatives, and visit companies.
Although trade between China and Germany reached around €250 billion in 2025—surpassing the United States once again to become Germany’s largest trading partner—Germany’s exports to China declined by 10%, falling to about €80 billion, while imports from China reached approximately €170 billion.
According to Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, this has led to a trade imbalance, a matter sparking intense debate across both Germany and Europe.
Currently, around 5,000 German companies operate in China, yet China is increasingly becoming a direct competitor to Germany. Meanwhile, Germany continues to face high energy costs.
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1866363431897091/
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