Hans-Jörg Detlefsen had been a section chief in Department 2 of the Federal Chancellery since July 2022, responsible for defense policy and the National Security Council.
By Wilhelmine Stenglin and Lisa-Martina Klein
Chancellor Friedrich Merz is returning from China in good spirits. There are no concrete solutions to concrete problems – yet there is hope for close exchange between Beijing and Berlin.
By Marcel Grzanna
Chancellor Merz faces a balancing act when dealing with China. He wants to shore up the German economy at its weak points. But German companies expect his support for their growing engagement.
By Angela Köckritz
Bundestag Vice President Omid Nouripour criticizes Germany’s White House astrology. Ahead of Merz’s visit to China, he insists on European unity. Germany and the EU, he says, should use their strategic leverage vis-à-vis China with greater confidence.
By Angela Köckritz
Chinese exiles and representatives of minority groups are addressing open letters to Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Ahead of his China trip, they are calling for an “end to the intimidation and threatening of people in Germany.”
By Marcel Grzanna
Günter Sautter takes over as interim head of the National Security Council from Jacob Schrot. This puts a long-standing diplomat at the head of the newly established body in the Federal Chancellery.
By Wilhelmine Stenglin
Ahead of the German Chancellor’s trip to COP30, many players are trying to make the climate issue attractive to Friedrich Merz. Their arguments emphasize national security, protecting the economy, German interests and respect for laws and treaties.
By Bernhard Pötter
