The logic of Germany's China policy in the Zeitenwende

Zusammenfassung: So far, there has been no sign of a Zeitenwende in Germany’s China policy. No comprehensive structural changes or adjustments in China-related institutions and administration have been observed (so far). Germany’s China policy in recent years has been characterised by the need to safeguard Germany as a business location. Germany’s Strategy on China is therefore more of a strategy on Germany. There is no overarch­ing, long-term goal for German-Chinese relations. The logic of Germany’s China policy is driven by two principles of action: self-protection and political indifference. Self-protection is more inward-looking (“safeguarding the domestic political system”), political indifference is more outward-looking (“dealing with China”). Both principles are linked by a reactive element. The characterisation of China as a “partner, competitor and systemic rival” is no longer appropriate and must be updated. Germany’s China policy needs a debate on goals that should determine German-Chinese relations in the future. As well as a debate on goals, a debate on preparedness will be necessary to permanently relieve the burden on relevant institutions and the administration and prepare them for future challenges in dealing with Chinese actors

Object Details

• Alternative title: Die Logik deutscher Chinapolitik in der Zeitenwende
• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: 1 Online-Ressource (36 Seiten)
• Language: Englisch
• Notes: "English version of SWP-Studie 20/2024" ; Gesehen am 23.10.2024

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: SWP research paper / Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik ; 2024, 16 (October 2024) ; SWP research paper ; 2024, 16 (October 2024)

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Politik
• Keyword: Internationale Politik ; Deutschland ; China

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (where): Berlin
• (who): SWP
• (when): [October 2024]
• Creator: Godehardt, Nadine
• Contributor: Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik

Further information

• DOI: 10.18449/2024RP16
• Handle: 10419/305251
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2411290906044.162900167221
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 15.08.2025, 7:23 AM CEST