German leader Friedrich Merz has the chance to take advantage of his country’s reversal of fortunes with China.
Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz shakes hands with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a meeting during the Munich Security Conference, February 14, 2026 in Munich, Germany. Credit: Chinese Foreign Ministry
How the tables have turned.
Siemens' first permanent office in Shanghai, China, was set up in 1904. Credit: Siemens
For decades German industrial firms have been the key industrial "Lehrmeister" (teacher) for their counterparts in China. When German giants such as Volkswagen entered the Chinese economy in the wake of Deng Xiaoping's opening-up reforms in the early 1980s, they were building on an already long history of Sino-German industrial relations. Those had started in the late 1
Exclusive longform investigative journalism, Q&As, news and analysis, and data on Chinese business elites and corporations. We publish China scoops you won't find anywhere else.
A weekly curated reading list on China from Andrew Peaple.
A daily roundup of China finance, business and economics headlines.
We offer discounts for groups, institutions and students. Go to our Subscriptions page for details.
Fish farming in Xinjiang is being sold as proof that technology can overcome geography. The reality is more complicated: a desert seafood boom built on political control, imported feed and a food system that masks its real burdens.
The foreign correspondent describes meeting with the Uyghurs from Xinjiang who played a key role in the Syrian civil war, but who now find themselves potentially stateless.
Corporate Risk Intelligence for National Security, Compliance & Due Diligence
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
