Germany

Buying time: Germany between a changed US and rising China

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visits to China and the US reflected Germany’s considerations of navigating the two superpowers, while maintaining Germany’s own interests in terms of economy and international relations. Japanese academic Yuichi Morii gives his analysis.

Yuichi Morii

China’s diplomatic blitz in Trump’s backyard — who will dominate the western hemisphere?

The high frequency of foreign dignitaries from Asia, Europe and South America visiting China at the start of 2026 indicates a strong focus and urgency behind Beijing’s effort to draw US allies closer and counter America’s efforts to restore preeminence in the western hemisphere, observes ISEAS researcher Lye Liang Fook.

Lye Liang Fook

Does Europe have strategic autonomy?

Even as the European Union (EU) seems to operate as a whole when it comes to international organisations such as the G7 and G20, there are contradictions within the grouping, as well as between the EU and external countries. Chinese academic Guo Bingyun looks at whether Europe’s seeming strategic autonomy has real substance to it.

Guo Bingyun

Why BMW, Audi and Mercedes are losing their shine in China

While BMW, Mercedes and Audi have long owned the luxury car market in China, they have not been able to boost sales this year despite reducing prices. Why are these brands no longer carrying as much weight as they used to in the country?

Caixin Global

Are German automakers the next Nokia? The rise of Chinese EVs

As Chinese automakers start to make their mark, German automakers as traditional industry leaders are feeling the heat as they lose ground in the China market. How can they remain relevant in a challenging environment? Lianhe Zaobao journalist Evon Wong reports.

Evon Wong

Why Japan and Germany must come together

Japan and Germany share much in common, notes Japanese academic Yuichi Morii. In today’s world, both countries also want to “de-risk” from China while becoming less reliant on the US.

Yuichi Morii

German automakers ‘de-risk’ by upping their game in China

While the West seems to be pursuing a decoupling and de-risking strategy against China, German automakers are doubling down on their presence there. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong looks into this trend.

Han Yong Hong

Why Japan’s GDP will once again exceed that of Germany in the near future

Japanese academic Takao Komine explains the reasons behind Japan falling behind Germany in the GDP rankings and discusses the possible implications of this trajectory.

Takao Komine

Populism and anti-immigration fervour surges in the West

Taiwanese commentator Chen Kuohsiang notes that populist fervour and anti-immigration sentiments in the US and Europe embolden each other and form a vicious circle, dominating major political issues. This has led to the potential political comeback of former US President Donald Trump and the rise of opposition parties in Europe.

Chen Kuohsiang

De-risking from China easier said than done for German companies

In theory, the Germans are supportive of the government's call for greater economic independence from China. In practice, this is hard to implement. A roadmap and a better explanation to companies of how this will work and who will pay the price is needed, says The Berlin Pulse editor Jonathan Lehrer.

Jonathan Lehrer

Germany's new China strategy: A drastic change

Germany's newly unveiled "Strategy on China" echoed much of EU language in highlighting risks concerning competitiveness, supply chain resilience, national security and values in its recalibrated approach to China. While a de-risking strategy carries difficult trade-offs, there seems to be a broad consensus on the goals Germany wants to achieve.

Tim Rühlig

Can China and Russia reject Western political civilisation and still prosper?

Researcher Wei Da notes that while many things can be learned and embraced from the West, its political civilisation is one that China has rejected. But isn't that rejecting the core while transplanting the branches and leaves? Will that work?

Wei Da