Analysis | In the age of Trump, China seen as important global partner for Germany’s next chancellor
Relations between the world’s first and third biggest export nations have been moving in a generally constructive direction as a bulwark against protectionism, analysts say
Germany will be eager to deepen economic and diplomatic relations with China in a shifting multilateral world regardless of whether Chancellor Angela Merkel wins re-election next week or is knocked out of power by challenger Martin Schulz.
That is the consensus view of analysts and a key official in Merkel’s right-left grand coalition government as the European Union’s wealthiest country heads down the home stretch for the election next Sunday.
There is precious little difference between the main centre-right and centre-left parties and their possible coalition partners concerning policies on China.
China is seen by both the centre-right and centre-left as an enormous market that buys lots of Volkwagens but also as an increasingly competitive rival for German goods in other markets around the world.
In a less certain world following Donald Trump’s 2016 election, China is also seen by the two main parties as an important ally on free trade, climate change and other issues.
