[Policy Report 88] Zheng Yongnian and Yang Xiangfeng: The Policy Direction of Germany in the Post-Merkel Era and the Prospects of Sino-German Relations
Authored on:2022-12-06
Keywords Three-party coalition government China-Germany relations values diplomacy

Abstract

After the establishment of a three-party coalition government, Germany is expected to implement progressive reforms in economic, energy and social policies internally, and maintain a Eurocentric foreign and defense policy based on the U.S.-German alliance externally. But the issue of human rights, democracy and labor rights will, at least in the short term, affect Germany's relations with non-Western democracies, especially Sino-German relations. In addition to the impact of "values diplomacy," Sino-German relations are under pressure from the structural transformation of bilateral economic and trade relations. China's diplomacy with Germany should be adjusted in time considering the overall situation of Sino-American and Sino-European relations in order to avoid the bilateral relation deterioration.

Research Questions

  • The future of Germany in the post-Merkel era
  • Potential problems and adjustments in Sino-German relations in the post-Merkel era