Germany
Politics
G7 unity: Europe yields as Trump declares ‘I’m the boss’
At the G7 summit, European leaders went to great lengths to flatter Donald Trump. Yet behind the smiles lies deep anxiety over an unpredictable US and a looming trade war with China. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong tells us more.
Han Yong Hong
19 Jun 2026
Politics
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
17 Mar 2026
Politics
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
27 Feb 2026
Politics
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
10 Dec 2024
Economy
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
29 Nov 2024
Economy
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
14 Nov 2024
Economy
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
19 Aug 2024
Politics
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
15 Feb 2024
Economy
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
27 Dec 2023
Politics
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
03 Aug 2023