The Federal Republic of Germany and the People’s Republic of China established diplomatic relations in 1972. Since then, German-Chinese relations have become multi-faceted and intense. For both Germany and the European Union, China is at the same time a partner, a competitor and a systemic rival. Germany’s policy on China is based on the Federal Government Strategy on China, which was adopted in 2023 and comprehensively lays out the current status of and prospects for relations with China.

With a volume of trade of approx. 246 billion euro, the People’s Republic of China was Germany’s second-largest trading partner for goods in 2024, and between 2016 and 2023, it was Germany’s largest trading partner for goods. International crises and conflicts, as well as mounting global challenges (including climate change, global health issues and global food security) are placing a premium on German-Chinese cooperation and coordination. Germany’s policy on China is consistently European. Germany advocates for substantive and reciprocal relations between the EU and China, as well as increased EU unity towards China. China views Germany both economically and politically as a key partner in Europe.

Despite having substantive relations, fundamental differences of opinion do exist, in particular with regard to human rights, above all individual freedoms and questions concerning the validity of international law, the international order and the interpretation of multilateralism. Germany continues to have a major interest in China opening its markets further to European companies and their products, further developing its rule of law structures and social systems, allowing more political and economic participation, resolving minority issues peacefully and with respect for human rights, and in this spirit shaping its commitment in international institutions and in support of a rules-based international order.