A senior lawmaker from Germany's Social Democrats, a junior partner in Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition government, called for a reassessment of Germany's China policy on Saturday after Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul postponed a trip to Beijing.
Wadephul, a member of Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), canceled his visit on Friday after Beijing confirmed only one of his requested meetings, signaling growing tensions over trade and security issues.
"The sudden cancellation of the trip to China does not bode well for improving the strained German-Chinese relations," said Adis Ahmetovic, foreign policy spokesperson for the Social Democrats (SDP). "We need to rethink Germany's China strategy. Now, more than ever, we need a proactive, strategic foreign policy that prioritizes dialogue, clarity, and long-term interests."
Germany is Europe's largest economy, and China is both its biggest trading partner and the largest economy in Asia.
Earlier this week, Wadephul told Reuters he planned to urge China to ease export restrictions on rare earths and semiconductors during his trip, which was set to begin on Sunday. He also emphasized the importance of fair trade as a foundation for strong relations.
In a strategy on China adopted in 2023, Berlin called for "de-risking" the economic relationship, describing Beijing as a "partner, competitor, and systemic rival."
China supplies Germany with crucial components like rare earths and chips, which have faced significant bottlenecks amid escalating global trade tensions.
"Direct dialogue with China is particularly crucial in this phase of global tension," Ahmetovic remarked, stressing the need to deepen discussions "especially on issues of peace, security, the economy, trade, and human rights."
Juergen Hardt, foreign policy spokesperson for the CDU, noted that China was using trade policy to exert pressure, and supported Wadephul's decision to postpone the trip.
"The German government is not participating in this game," he said, adding that Germany still values good and fair relations with Beijing.
Cubans are increasingly turning to solar power to keep businesses operating and basic household appliances running during prolonged electricity cuts, ...
Mexican authorities have uncovered a 22-metre tunnel used to siphon fuel from a state-owned pipeline, shedding light on the country’s long-running b...
At least four people have died and 17 others were injured after a liquid gas truck overturned and exploded in Santiago, Chile’s capital, authorities...
Day 13 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics featured decisive finals, thrilling performances and packed arenas across Milan, Livigno, and Cortin...
The Baku Initiative Group hosted an international conference in Azerbaijan’s capital under the title “Neocolonialism and Global Inequality,” bri...
Cubans are increasingly turning to solar power to keep businesses operating and basic household appliances running during prolonged electricity cuts, as fuel shortages make diesel generators and other temporary solutions more difficult and costly to maintain.
Mexican authorities have uncovered a 22-metre tunnel used to siphon fuel from a state-owned pipeline, shedding light on the country’s long-running battle against a lucrative black-market trade often controlled by organised crime.
At least four people have died and 17 others were injured after a liquid gas truck overturned and exploded in Santiago, Chile’s capital, authorities confirmed on Thursday.
The Baku Initiative Group hosted an international conference in Azerbaijan’s capital under the title “Neocolonialism and Global Inequality,” bringing together political movements from different parts of the world that said they were still confronting both the legacy and modern forms of colonial rule
The drumbeats have finally faded at the Marquês de Sapucaí, bringing the competitive phase of the Rio Carnival 2026 to a dazzling close. Over two marathon nights of spectacle, the twelve elite schools of the "Special Group" transformed the Sambadrome into a riot of colour.
Israel is preparing for the possibility of receiving a green light from the United States to launch strikes against Iran’s ballistic missile system, according to Israel’s public broadcaster KAN.
Aghdam’s Qarabag FK experienced a 6–1 defeat to England’s Newcastle United in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off tie in Azerbaijan's capital Baku Wednesday evening (18 February).
Qarabağ FK are facing Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League play-off round on Wednesday evening in Baku, in what will be the first UEFA competition meeting between the two clubs.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 18th of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Cubans are increasingly turning to solar power to keep businesses operating and basic household appliances running during prolonged electricity cuts, as fuel shortages make diesel generators and other temporary solutions more difficult and costly to maintain.
Mexican authorities have uncovered a 22-metre tunnel used to siphon fuel from a state-owned pipeline, shedding light on the country’s long-running battle against a lucrative black-market trade often controlled by organised crime.
At least four people have died and 17 others were injured after a liquid gas truck overturned and exploded in Santiago, Chile’s capital, authorities confirmed on Thursday.
Day 13 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics featured decisive finals, thrilling performances and packed arenas across Milan, Livigno, and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The Games combined precision, speed, and drama, marking another memorable day in the Winter Olympics.
Gianni Infantino, president of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), announced a new partnership with the Board of Peace on Thursday (19 February), committing to build football pitches and arenas in Gaza as part of broader efforts to rebuild the region.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment