On Monday, December 8, 2025, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul began a significant diplomatic visit to China, marking a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between the two economic powerhouses. The trip, which comes amid a flurry of European diplomatic activity in Beijing, is seen by many as both a reset and a step forward for China-Germany and broader China-EU relations. Wadephul’s visit, at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, included meetings with top Chinese officials and focused on deepening cooperation, managing differences, and preparing for even higher-level exchanges in the near future.
According to Xinhua News Agency, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng welcomed Wadephul in Beijing, emphasizing the strategic importance of the partnership between China and Germany. Han noted that since the formation of Germany’s new government in May 2025, the two countries have maintained close high-level interaction. He pointed to a phone call earlier this year between President Xi Jinping and Chancellor Friedrich Merz as an example of the ongoing dialogue and strategic guidance that has helped shape their bilateral relationship.
Han was clear about China’s priorities, stating, “China and Germany are important economic and trading partners which can achieve win-win results through mutually beneficial cooperation.” He expressed China’s readiness to work with Germany to deliver on the important common understandings reached between their leaders, to enhance communication and dialogue, and to elevate the China-Germany all-round strategic partnership to a new level.
One issue that Han highlighted was the Taiwan question, which he described as being at the core of China’s core interests. Han expressed hope that Germany would continue to abide by the one-China principle, a stance that China sees as non-negotiable in its foreign relations. He also voiced expectations that Germany, as a leading nation within the European Union, would play an active role in promoting the healthy development of China-EU relations.
Wadephul, for his part, echoed these sentiments. According to Xinhua, he stated, “The new German government attaches great importance to developing ties with China and firmly adheres to the one-China policy.” Wadephul said that Germany is looking forward to closer high-level exchanges with China and deepened cooperation on all fronts, adding that Germany is willing to be a reliable partner for cooperation with China.
During his visit, Wadephul also met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. As reported by Global Times, Wang Yi underscored the importance of the one-China principle as the political foundation for China-Germany relations, stressing there was “no room for ambiguity.” Wang Yi also drew a historical comparison, noting that, unlike Germany, Japan has yet to reflect thoroughly on its history of aggression since the end of World War II—underscoring China’s appreciation for Germany’s approach to historical issues.
Economic cooperation was a major theme throughout the visit. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met with Wadephul to discuss economic and trade relations between China, Germany, and the EU. Wang Wentao encouraged German companies to seize the new opportunities presented by China’s forthcoming 15th Five-Year Plan and to deepen cooperation with Chinese partners in both traditional and emerging sectors. He also expressed hope that Germany would foster a fair, open, and non-discriminatory policy environment for Chinese enterprises operating in Germany.
Addressing some of Germany’s concerns, Wang Wentao noted that China has introduced licensing exemptions for Nexperia-related chip exports, aiming to help maintain stable and smooth global supply chains. He stressed the need for the Dutch government to halt improper administrative interference in the semiconductor supply chain, warning that instability could impact the global automotive and consumer goods industries.
Wadephul’s visit is particularly notable given the recent history of diplomatic ups and downs between the two nations. His originally planned trip in October 2025 was canceled at short notice, with some German media speculating that this was linked to Wadephul’s public criticisms of China regarding Taiwan and maritime issues. According to DW, Wadephul had made several critical remarks about China’s actions in the East and South China Seas prior to the canceled trip. However, observers like Zheng Chunrong, director of the German Studies Centre at Tongji University, told Global Times that Wadephul’s rhetoric has softened, and the current visit is seen as an effort to repair past missteps and pave the way for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s anticipated visit to Beijing in early 2026.
Wadephul’s itinerary included not only Beijing but also a planned trip to Guangzhou, the southern manufacturing hub, as reported by Reuters. This signals a focus on economic ties and on-the-ground engagement with China’s industrial heartlands. During a brief press conference in Beijing, Wadephul discussed a range of topics including bilateral trade, rare earths, the Ukraine conflict, and climate cooperation. He also mentioned Chancellor Merz’s possible visit to China in the first quarter of 2026, indicating that this trip is laying the groundwork for even deeper engagement at the highest levels.
China’s rehabilitation assistive device industry, particularly in Guangdong, also featured during the visit. The sector has seen booming development, with smart wheelchairs—some controlled by head movement and gaze—being showcased at the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games, which opened on the same Monday as Wadephul’s visit. The domestic market share of wheelchairs and walkers from Guangdong is between 50 and 60 percent, with export shares accounting for 70 percent of the national total, according to Xinhua. These advancements have not only improved the quality of life for people with disabilities but also highlighted China’s growing technological capabilities, which are of keen interest to German industry and policymakers alike.
Wadephul’s trip comes at a time when Europe is recalibrating its China policy. Recent high-level visits from European leaders—such as Spain’s King Felipe VI and French President Emmanuel Macron—underscore the importance of sustained dialogue between China and Europe. As noted by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, the current international situation is turbulent, making closer strategic communication and deeper cooperation between China and Europe more important than ever.
Many European media outlets, including Euronews, have described Wadephul’s China visit as “one of the most important foreign trips of his tenure.” The visit is widely seen as a corrective step, intended to strengthen communication, manage differences, and identify new areas for practical cooperation. As Zheng Chunrong put it, “With a pragmatic approach and readiness to restart dialogue, the visit can still be meaningful for China-Germany and China-EU ties.”
As both sides look to the future, the hope is that this renewed engagement will provide greater resilience to the relationship in an unpredictable world, while opening new avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation. The next few months, especially with Chancellor Merz’s anticipated visit, will likely reveal just how far this pragmatic reset can go.
