German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to visit China with a business delegation in April, emphasizing the considerable importance Germany places on China’s constructive role in economic recovery and international affairs. Sources from German media outlets FAZ newspaper and Reuters indicate that Scholz’s visit is scheduled for April 15 to 16, with invitations extended to companies by the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business and the BDI Federation of German Industries.
While a German government spokesperson refrained from commenting on the potential trip, and the Chinese Foreign Ministry has yet to respond, this visit underscores the significance of bilateral relations. Scholz’s last official visit to China was in November 2022, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, agreeing on enhanced cooperation, dialogue, and rejecting decoupling and bloc confrontation.
China has been Germany’s largest trading partner for seven consecutive years, with a trade volume of 298 billion euros ($321.3 billion) in 2022, continuing into 2023 based on preliminary official figures. Wang Yiwei, Director of the Institute of International Affairs at Renmin University of China, highlights Germany’s economic challenges and the importance of maintaining cooperation with China, particularly in the auto industry, a pillar of the German economy.
As Germany faces industrial and capital outflows and aims for achievements to dispel opposition, collaboration with China in new manufacturing, digital, and green restructuring becomes crucial. With the International Monetary Fund predicting a contraction in Germany’s economy in 2023, strengthened economic ties with China become paramount.
Despite an EU anti-subsidy probe into Chinese electric vehicles, experts suggest that Germany and China should coordinate on the issue, given their existing symbiotic relationship in the EV industry chain. As Scholz’s possible China visit coincides with his discussions on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and other global issues with US President Joe Biden, experts note Germany’s effort to find a balance between Beijing and Washington.
Recognizing China’s constructive role in global affairs, particularly in the Middle East and climate-related matters, Germany aims to offset uncertainties potentially posed by former US President Donald Trump’s return. The 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic ties in 2024, coupled with eased China-Germany and China-France relations, may contribute to a relatively smooth China-EU relationship. However, experts caution that the dynamic relationship will be influenced by both positive and negative factors.