Germany and China: Navigating a Complex Partnership
‘’Balancing Economic Ties and Strategic Challenges in a Shifting Global Landscape’’
November 25th, 2024
Under Xi Jinping’s leadership, China has set ambitious milestones, such as achieving high-tech dominance by 2025, becoming a “modern socialist country” by 2035, and asserting itself as a global power by 2049. These goals have intensified tensions with Germany and the EU, as seen in debates over dependence on Chinese industries, such as electric vehicles. The situation has become more pressing since Germany’s 2023 China strategy aimed to address vulnerabilities while maintaining necessary economic ties.
In collaboration with the China Competence Training Center (CCTC) and Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS), a panel discussion on November 28, 2024, will examine these challenges. The event, held at MERICS from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., will explore German-Chinese relations across politics, business, science, and society. Experts will analyse Germany’s position within the EU-China-USA triangle, probing areas where political and economic interests converge and diverge while highlighting paths to secure Germany’s autonomy and stability in its global engagements.
The discussion will also focus on the practical implications of reducing dependencies in critical industries, particularly considering recent EU-China trade disputes. Questions about technology transfer, supply chain resilience, and the role of Chinese investments in Germany’s economic landscape will be central to the debate. By examining the intersection of these themes, the panel aims to outline strategies for fostering a balanced and sustainable relationship with China.
As Germany faces an increasingly complex global environment, its ability to shape a collaborative yet independent path with China will have far-reaching implications. Events like this panel discussion not only shed light on current challenges but also help frame a proactive approach to maintaining stability and advancing mutual interests in the years to come.
