Merz's Beijing Balancing Act: Who Speaks for Germany on China? (politico.eu)

• Chancellor Merz advocates new agreements with China.
• Foreign Minister Wadephul takes a firm stance against Taiwanese independence.
• Economics Minister Reiche calls for economic reliability as a foundation.
• Coalition partners disagree on the overall approach to Beijing.

"Chancellor Friedrich Merz is seeking new agreements with China, while Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul takes a hard line on Taiwan and Economics Minister Katherina Reiche emphasizes economic reliability. This discord surfaces during US President Donald Trump's visit to Xi Jinping in Beijing, highlighting the lack of a unified German government stance on China policy. The coalition struggles to form a coherent strategy balancing economic interests and security concerns."