Germany's growing China challenge

Berlin is walking a thin line between its strongest ally and biggest trading partner

PHOTO: AFP
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BERLIN • As the trade impasse between the United States and China grinds on, the rest of the world is reduced to being anxious bystanders - and nowhere are leaders more anxious than here in Germany. Over the past decade, Germany, the largest economy in Europe but still a middle power by global standards, has steadily adapted itself to the realities of Chinese economic dominance.

Germany has welcomed Chinese investment, and encouraged its companies to play by Beijing's rules to get access to its markets. At the same time, Germany has remained a stalwart member of the Western political and security alliance.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 19, 2019, with the headline Germany's growing China challenge. Subscribe