Diplomacy • Table.Briefings

November 3rd, 2025

Tourism: China extends visa-free entry

China has extended the 30-day visa-free entry for several countries, including Germany, until the end of 2026. Sweden has been added to the list.

By Fabian Peltsch

News | Spain

November 3rd, 2025

Spain’s king travels to China: Sánchez government hopes for closer economic relations

Spain’s King Felipe VI is visiting China in mid-November. Madrid wants to deepen the dialogue with Beijing and promote Chinese investment – despite criticism from Washington and growing scepticism in other EU countries.

By Fabian Peltsch

News | Diplomacy

November 3rd, 2025

Wadephul and Wang talk on the phone: Berlin and Beijing seek to ease tensions

Following Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s postponed visit to China, Berlin and Beijing have held a telephone conversation in an attempt to restart the dialogue. Both sides emphasized the importance of stable relations – but the Taiwan formula remains a delicate issue.

By Amelie Richter

News | Estonia

November 3rd, 2025

Estonia: Foreign Minister travels to China during Taiwan dilemma

Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna is traveling to China this week to discuss bilateral relations and Russia’s war in Ukraine. At the same time, Estonia is in a dilemma over the opening of a Taiwanese representation in Tallinn.

By Fabian Peltsch

Talk of the town | Trade dispute

November 2nd, 2025

Trade dispute: EU struggles for realignment after US-China deal

The USA and China are selling the trade deal as a success, but the agreement is attracting some strong criticism from US experts. The EU Commission appears to be trying to de-escalate – and is maintaining a wait-and-see attitude.

By Leonardo Pape

News | AHK

October 29th, 2025

AHK XDays: “Flagship” event in Suzhou will not take place in November

The postponement of the most important German-Chinese economic event comes in the middle of a phase of diplomatic irritation, shortly before Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil’s planned visit to Beijing.

By Amelie Richter

News | Foreign policy

October 27th, 2025

Johann Wadephul: Commitment to India – offer to Beijing

The cancellation of his trip to China was followed by Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s offer of talks with Beijing. At the same time, he has already reached agreements with China’s neighbor India.

By Marcel Grzanna

News | Diplomacy

October 27th, 2025

Travel to China: Everything is on hold for now

The cancellation of Foreign Minister Wadephul’s trip to China at short notice highlights the difficult situation in German-Chinese relations. Against this backdrop, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivers one of her clearest China speeches to date in Berlin.

By Amelie Richter, Stefan Braun and Fabian Peltsch

Talk of the Town | Diplomacy

October 26th, 2025

Trip to China: Berlin and Beijing at a distance

The cancellation of Foreign Minister Wadephul’s trip to China at short notice highlights the difficult situation in German-Chinese relations. Against this backdrop, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivers one of her clearest China speeches to date in Berlin.

By Amelie Richter, Stefan Braun and Fabian Peltsch

Reinhard Bütikofer (Grüne) gehört seit 2009 dem Europaparlament an.

Opinion | Diplomacy

October 26th, 2025

Wadephul’s China rejection: Show strength instead of self-deprecation

The postponement of Foreign Minister Wadephul’s trip to China is not a diplomatic misstep, but a necessary signal. Anyone who clearly identifies German interests – from China’s support for Putin’s war to unfair trade practices – must not allow themselves to be blackmailed.

By Reinhard Bütikofer