Full Breakdown
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s State Visit to China
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Steinmeier’s State Visit to China
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is undertaking a five-day state visit to China, the first such trip in eight years. The itinerary includes cultural sites, a stop at Volkswagen’s Hefei plant, and a concluding meeting in Beijing with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and National People’s Congress chairman Zhao Leji. The visit coincides with the Chinese Communist Party’s Central Committee plenary session, an event foreign dignitaries typically avoid, underscoring Berlin’s intent to engage despite timing challenges. Chancellor Friedrich Merz is traveling concurrently to Japan, Singapore and South Korea, signaling a coordinated German outreach to the Indo-Pacific.
Policy Background and Balancing Act
China remains Germany’s most important market for automotive, machinery and chemical exports, while also supplying critical raw materials and technologies. At the same time, state-supported overcapacity in China pressures European manufacturers, prompting Berlin to seek alternative partnerships. Recent EU measures, such as scaling back imports of Chinese plug-in hybrid vehicles, illustrate a shift toward a tougher stance. Human-rights considerations are present but limited; the delegation includes MERICS director Mikko Huotari, whose presence signals German disapproval of Beijing’s sanctions against the institute.
Official Statements & Responses
Berlin officials believe China could exert influence on Russia to encourage negotiations over the Ukraine conflict. Steinmeier is expected to raise China’s role in Ukraine and possibly reference Taiwan during a speech at Peking University.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The fact that he is coming along sends a clear message to the Chinese side that we do not approve of the sanctions,” — Michael Laha, expert on China at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP)
- “Beijing is clearly on Moscow's side,” — Michael Laha, expert on China at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP)
- “If the president points out that Russia used its power to attack a sovereign state, he could be alluding to another regional connection: Taiwan,” — Michael Laha, expert on China at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP)