German Economy Minister's Visit to China: Modern Economic Relations Require Both Cooperation and Competition

According to Reuters, German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Katrin Eickholt said on Wednesday in Beijing that modern economic relations require both cooperation and competition.

Eickholt began her first official visit to China on the 26th, which will last until the 29th. A delegation of 40 senior executives from prominent German companies such as BASF, Siemens Energy, and ThyssenKrupp accompanied her. Reports indicate that Eickholt visited Beijing on the 27th and will travel to Guangzhou on the 28th for an inspection tour. During the visit, the delegation will hold bilateral talks, participate in business activities, and conduct field surveys on the operations of German enterprises in China.

Eickholt stated: "Competition makes us stronger; cooperation brings stability; innovation drives shared progress."

She emphasized that Germany seeks dialogue with China because a fair competitive environment is essential.

"Our companies do not shy away from competition. But competition must be shaped and organized in a mutually beneficial manner," she said.

Eickholt praised China’s industrial technology and innovation capabilities, adding that Sino-German economic relations are among the most important in the world.

"Our shared interest lies in maintaining stability in this relationship—stability, respect, reliability, fairness, and balance," she said.

In 2025, bilateral trade between Germany and China reached approximately €25 billion, with China surpassing the United States once again to become Germany’s largest trading partner in goods. Currently, around 5,000 German companies operate in China. Data shows that in 2025, German investment in China exceeded €7 billion, marking a 50% increase compared to 2024 and setting a four-year high. At the same time, Chinese investments in Germany surpassed those from the United States, making China the top source of foreign investment in Germany.

Eickholt noted that she also discussed with Chinese counterparts how to ensure German companies can "reliably" access critical mineral resources.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866333073775692/

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