Germany’s outreach to China signals a reckoning, rather than a shift

South China Morning PostEN 2 min read 100% complete by Sebastian Contin Trillo-FigueroaFebruary 23, 2026 at 02:07 PM

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medium article 2 min

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is visiting Beijing amid growing concerns about Germany's economic dependence on China. Despite previously warning about China's potential for blackmail and advocating for stronger ties with the U.S., Merz now faces the reality of China being Germany's largest trading partner, with trade totaling around €252 billion in 2023. Germany's export-driven economy, reliant on machinery, chemicals, and cars, is hesitant to jeopardize this relationship. Furthermore, pressure from the U.S., including tariffs and demands for higher NATO spending, adds to Germany's economic challenges. While the U.S. exerts pressure through alliance-based coercion, China presents a challenge through competitive displacement within global value chains.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Hamburg 30% Denmark 30% Cosco 40% Atlantik-Brucke 40% Olaf Scholz 40% Washington ×240% European Union 40% Beijing ×250% United States ×270% China ×680% Germany ×690% Friedrich Merz ×490%

Keywords

germany-china relations 100% economic dependency 80% trade relations 70% industrial policy 60% transatlantic relations 60% us-eu trade 50% global value chains 50% imports 40% exports 40%

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Neutral

Score: -0.10

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Source

South China Morning Post

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90%

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germany-china relations economic dependency trade relations industrial policy transatlantic relations us-eu trade global value chains imports exports

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