Angela Merkel

All news and posts of our editorial team on the topic

China hopes for continuation of Merkel’s policy
China’s EU ambassador hopes Germany’s future government will continue Angela Merkel’s policy toward Beijing. “We hope the new German government can build on a political legacy of Chancellor Merkel and continue the pragmatic China policy which follows the expectations of our two peoples,” China’s ambassador to the European Union, Zhang Ming, said Tuesday at an […] continue reading →
Merkel and Li discuss economy and climate protection
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and China’s Premier Li Keqiang discussed German-Chinese economic relations in a video conference on Monday. During their talk, they also discussed closer cooperation in climate protection and power. Further cooperation within the framework of the G20 group of states and in the fight against the Covid pandemic was also discussed, a […] continue reading →
Merkel holds “farewell talk” with Xi
Was it the last phone call between Xi Jinping and Angela Merkel? The German chancellor and China’s president met via video conference for a “farewell talk”, according to a spokeswoman for the German government. According to the statement, Merkel and Xi discussed the development of bilateral relations and current issues on the international agenda, such […] continue reading →
China’s ambassador hopes for cooperative policy
China’s ambassador to Berlin is looking anxiously at German politics after the federal elections. In any case, Germany will remain an important partner of China in the future, regardless of which party will provide the next chancellor, Wu Ken said in an interview with Chinese news agency Xinhua. However, Germany’s next head of government should […] continue reading →
Enter the Post-Merkel Era
What lies ahead for Germany's international relations after the Merkel era? Five theses on developments under the next chancellor. The EU will continue to liberate itself from the US – at the same time, Germany's role could improve if it plays its cards right. continue reading →
Merkel: Witness to the rise of a major power
During her time as chancellor, Angela Merkel has accompanied China's rise to become a major power. In 16 years, she always sought a middle path between cooperation and confrontation – and always had German companies in mind. At the same time, she showed a genuine interest in the country. A stronger China policy is expected after the end of her chancellorship. continue reading →
“Merkel’s course was not the worst”
The left positioned itself clearly on Russia and is also calling for withdrawal from NATO. But what is its position on China? The deputy chairman of the German-Chinese parliamentary group in the German Bundestag, Stefan Liebich, does not want to take a nostalgic or anti-communist view of China. In our interview, he warns against turning the human rights issue into a vehicle for asserting economic interests. At the same time, Germany should not overestimate itself. The interview with Liebich was conducted by Felix Lee. Here, you can find more interviews with top representatives of German politics ahead of the 2021 federal elections. continue reading →
Xi on the phone with Biden and Merkel
On Friday, Chinese leader Xi Jinping discussed the global situation in two phone calls with US president Joe Biden and German chancellor Angela Merkel. The German chancellor discussed developments in Afghanistan with Xi, in particular, the German government said. Merkel and Xi also exchanged views on the pandemic situation. Concerning the upcoming United Nations Climate […] continue reading →
On the death of German ambassador Jan Hecker
Jan Hecker was one of Angela Merkel's closest confidants. The Chancellor purposely sent her chief foreign policy advisor to Beijing, so that Germany would be represented by an experienced and decisive diplomat. Hecker has now passed unexpectedly after only a few days in office. continue reading →
‘Merkel’s China policy is peculiarly outdated’
Green Party politician Reinhard Bütikofer is affected by Chinese sanctions and criticizes the German government's China policy. The "automotive foreign policy" is just as outdated as the idea that change can be achieved through patience. Germany must overcome the illusion of its own inabilities and accept the challenge set by new rivalry. Felix Lee spoke with Bütikofer. continue reading →
Jan Hecker – Merkel’s trusted man becomes ambassador in Beijing
When Chancellor Angela Merkel appointed Jan Hecker as her chief advisor on foreign policy four years ago, it came as quite a surprise. After all, she had filled the most important foreign policy position with someone who was not particularly internationally versed. Until then, Hecker had been a domestic politician through and through. As head […] continue reading →
Merkel and Macron in talks with Xi
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron spoke on the phone with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday. According to a government spokesperson in Berlin, they discussed relations between the European Union and China as well as topics on international trade, climate protection and biodiversity Merkel and Macron supposedly advocated further adjustments to […] continue reading →
Merkel supports NATO reorientation toward China
In her government statement ahead of the EU summit in Brussels, German Chancellor Angela Merkel made several references to China. She once again explained the meaning of the reorientation of the NATO defense alliance (China.Table reported). “It is necessary to take direct account of China’s increasing importance,” she told the Bundestag on Thursday. Nato’s primary […] continue reading →
G7 faces Belt and Road Initiative with counter-initiative
The G7 countries want to counter China's new Silk Road with their own global infrastructure initiative. Joe Biden organized a considerable majority at the meeting in Cornwall. However, one country is putting on the brakes: Germany. Meanwhile, the seven established industrial nations spoke out in favor of respecting human rights and a free Hong Kong – but left the question of consequences unanswered. continue reading →
Talks in times of sanctions
Sino-German Government Consultations: The recently imposed entry bans on parliamentarians and academics should be the occasion for clear words from Berlin, politicians, and experts demand. Anything else would be a sign of weakness – and thus not a good negotiating tactic. continue reading →
Merkel’s Beijing trip with Wirecard in tow
When the Chancellor goes to China, she represents only the most important concerns of Germany and Europe to the highest leadership. How did a conman make it onto her speaking list, and what role did the Roeller couple and a man named Michael Papageorgiou play? continue reading →
Wirecard: Merkel and the meeting with Xi
In April, Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) must testify before the Bundestag's investigative committee. The MPs have many unanswered questions – especially about her involvement with Wirecard during a trip to China, the influence of Karl Theodor zu Guttenberg on the Chancellor's Office, and the Chancellor's economic advisor, Lars-Hendrik Röller. continue reading →