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German Finance Minister Visits China Amid Trade Concerns

11/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil visited China on November 17, the first visit by a member of the new coalition.
The trip follows a record trade deficit with China of 87 billion euros and supply chain concerns.
Klingbeil emphasized reliable access to critical raw materials and discussed Chinese limits on rare earths.
He will meet Vice Premier He Lifeng and later engage with German companies in Shanghai.

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Story summary

German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil visited China on November 17, the first visit by a member of the new coalition.
The trip follows a record trade deficit with China of 87 billion euros and supply chain concerns.
Klingbeil emphasized reliable access to critical raw materials and discussed Chinese limits on rare earths.
He will meet Vice Premier He Lifeng and later engage with German companies in Shanghai.