Klingbeil: Competition with China must be fair - Germany’s Vice Chancellor to Visit China Amid Rising Global Tensions in 2025
Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil is set to travel to China, becoming the first minister from Germany's coalition government to do so since taking office. His visit comes despite growing international tensions and follows the postponement of a similar trip by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul due to failed meeting arrangements.
Klingbeil's trip, scheduled for November 2025, will coincide with Xi Jinping's presidency in China. During his visit, Klingbeil aims to foster dialogue and find solutions to pressing global issues. He plans to discuss China's potential role in the ongoing Ukraine war, a topic of significant international concern.
The Vice Chancellor also intends to explore avenues for deeper cooperation in the financial sector. Additionally, he will push for better market access for German companies in China, a stance he has previously advocated. Klingbeil seeks fair competition and improved market conditions for German businesses. Furthermore, he hopes to address the issue of critical raw materials and Chinese overcapacity in sectors such as steel and electric mobility.
Klingbeil's visit to China signals Germany's commitment to maintaining open lines of communication with the world's second-largest economy. Despite challenges, both nations stand to gain from productive dialogue and cooperation in various sectors.
