SPD — 9DASHLINE

A tall order: Germany’s comprehensive China strategy

Written by Christiane Heidbrink

For the first time in history, the German government is drafting its own China strategy. Although much is still up in the air, it is becoming apparent that Chancellor Olaf Scholz is trying to strike a balance between cooperation and tough-talking.

Europe and the Indo-Pacific9DLOctober 24, 20229DashLine, Christiane Heidbrink, Germany, China, German government, coalition, China strategy, A tall order: Germany’s comprehensive China strategy, systemic rivalry, EU-China policy, German Social Democrats, SPD, Greens, Alliance 90/The Greens, Free Democratic Party, FDP, Sino-German relations, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Scholz, Green BRI, Belt and Road Initiative, Green Belt and Road Initiative, climate goals, greenwashing, climate action, environmental protection, Scholz administration, Berlin, Beijing, EU Global Gateway Initiative, G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, Supply Chain Law, supply chains, German Foreign Trade and Payments Regulation, Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy, 13th Mechanical Engineering Summit, decoupling, diversification, Chinese Dual Circulation Strategy, Indo-Pacific Guidelines, Indo-Pacific, diplomatic efforts, NATO 2022 strategic concept, Jens Plötner, tough-talking

Scholz’s €100 billion surprise: A paradigm shift in Germany’s security policy?

Written by Christiane Heidbrink

Due to the complexity of weapon systems and personnel requirements, a financial injection alone is not enough to solve the Bundeswehr’s structural challenges. Consequently, the one-time sum of €100 billion does not represent a militarisation trend but a necessary investment to plug serious holes in its equipment.

Clouds on the horizon: Sino-German relations and the Bundestag election

Written by Christiane Heidbrink

The CDU/CSU, the SPD, the Greens and the FDP warn against digital competition with China. As these are the four parties with the largest predicted vote shares, their ideas for reinforcing the digital economy, critical infrastructure, and network security will shape Germany's relations with China as well as the US.

In Brief: Dr Eva Seiwert, our new Associate Editor

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Eva Seiwert as our new Associate Editor. Dr Seiwert brings a wealth of experience to the role and we look forward to her work in continuing to showcase the next generation of leading thinkers while also working to connect Europe and the Indo-Pacific.