How the tables are turning between Germany and China

Name: How the tables are turning between Germany and China
Uploaded: 2026-02-27T18:51:44.852Z
Duration: 33 min 25 s
Description: Germany is bracing for the impact of a massive ‘China shock’ as trade imbalances and supply-chain risks threaten its economy. On his first Beijing visit as chancellor, Friedrich Merz urges China to act — but does he have leverage? And how firm is his derisking push, given resistance from German business? Richard Walker breaks it down with Michaela Küfner and Thorsten Benner (GPPi).

33:25

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Richard Walker

February 27, 2026

Germany is bracing for the impact of a massive ‘China shock’ as trade imbalances and supply-chain risks threaten its economy. On his first Beijing visit as chancellor, Friedrich Merz urges China to act — but does he have leverage? And how firm is his derisking push, given resistance from German business? Richard Walker breaks it down with Michaela Küfner and Thorsten Benner (GPPi).

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CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

01:03 What Merz wants

03:15 The China shock

06:12 Mixed messages?

10:28 Did China budge?

14:38 The Trump factor

16:41 De-risking

21:06 Europe

23:16 Carmakers