{"id":1956036,"date":"2026-05-26T14:57:18","date_gmt":"2026-05-26T11:57:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1956036"},"modified":"2026-05-26T14:57:18","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T11:57:18","slug":"germany-resists-eu-members-push-for-a-tougher-stance-on-china","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1956036","title":{"rendered":"Germany resists EU members&#8217; push for a tougher stance on China"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/30\/94\/1200x675_cmsv2_e3282c8a-6180-54c4-a695-cd567942d189-9773094.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2896763-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2896763\" data-cid=\"9773117\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896763-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/31\/17\/189x106_cmsv2_a64f24d8-46e3-5d10-923b-5182d41536eb-9773117.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A man holds a sign depicting current Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque in Tehran, 24 May 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Iran<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ayatollah Khamenei breaks silence to vow no US bases in the region\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2895800-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2895800\" data-cid=\"9769114\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2895800-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/91\/14\/189x106_cmsv2_f5649824-02df-547d-b338-e70a935c315b-9769114.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen listens during the meeting at the Presidential palace in Vilnius, Lithuania, Tuesday, May 26, 2026. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU chief vows to stand firm against drones, disinformation campaigns\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896779-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2896779\" data-cid=\"9773255\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896779-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/32\/55\/189x106_cmsv2_635a1549-9cb2-508c-b0ca-00fb6a49a80f-9773255.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Humanitarian aid waiting to be picked up on the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom aid crossing in the Gaza Strip\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Health news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Foreign aid cuts: Which countries cut spending the most in 2025?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896728-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2896728\" data-cid=\"9773007\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896728-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/30\/07\/189x106_cmsv2_604364b9-a8a4-55c9-a5ee-03e1c698494a-9773007.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev holds up his trophies during an award ceremony at the Enhanced Games in Las Vegas on 24 May 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Health news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    The Enhanced Games: Was it a triumph or a disaster?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896763-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2896763\" data-cid=\"9773117\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896763-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/31\/17\/189x106_cmsv2_a64f24d8-46e3-5d10-923b-5182d41536eb-9773117.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A man holds a sign depicting current Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque in Tehran, 24 May 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Iran<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ayatollah Khamenei breaks silence to vow no US bases in the region\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2895800-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2895800\" data-cid=\"9769114\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2895800-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/91\/14\/189x106_cmsv2_f5649824-02df-547d-b338-e70a935c315b-9769114.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen listens during the meeting at the Presidential palace in Vilnius, Lithuania, Tuesday, May 26, 2026. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU chief vows to stand firm against drones, disinformation campaigns\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896779-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2896779\" data-cid=\"9773255\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896779-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/32\/55\/189x106_cmsv2_635a1549-9cb2-508c-b0ca-00fb6a49a80f-9773255.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Humanitarian aid waiting to be picked up on the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom aid crossing in the Gaza Strip\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Health news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Foreign aid cuts: Which countries cut spending the most in 2025?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896728-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2896728\" data-cid=\"9773007\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896728-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/30\/07\/189x106_cmsv2_604364b9-a8a4-55c9-a5ee-03e1c698494a-9773007.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev holds up his trophies during an award ceremony at the Enhanced Games in Las Vegas on 24 May 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Health news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    The Enhanced Games: Was it a triumph or a disaster?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Europe<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Germany resists EU members&#8217; push for a tougher stance on China<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/30\/94\/1536x864_cmsv2_e3282c8a-6180-54c4-a695-cd567942d189-9773094.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"German Economy and Energy Katherina Reiche arrives for the cabinet meeting at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Wednesday, May 13, 2026.\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              German Economy and Energy Katherina Reiche arrives for the cabinet meeting at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Wednesday, May 13, 2026.<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">AP Photo<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0AP Photo\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspPeggy Corlin&amp;nbsp&amp;&amp;nbspFranziska M\u00fcller\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1779807438\">\n                    Published on                 <time datetime=\"2026-05-26 16:57:18 +02:00\">26\/05\/2026 &#8211; 16:57 GMT+2<\/time><span class=\"c-article-publication-date__bullet\">\u2022<\/span>Updated<br \/>\n                                     <time datetime=\"17:27\">17:27<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\" class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__header u-display-flex\"><span>Share<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-close.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"Close Button\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer 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decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        German Trade Minister Katherina Reiche is in Beijing this week seeking to strengthen industrial ties with China, even as several EU member states push Brussels to take a tougher line against the Asian giant over overcapacities.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>German Trade Minister Katherina Reiche is travelling to China from Tuesday to Friday as Berlin\u2019s trade deficit with Beijing continues to deepen.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The trip comes two days after several of the EU\u2019s largest economies \u2013 France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, as well as Lithuania \u2013 issued a non-paper urging the EU to crack down on Chinese overcapacity and unfair trade practices.<\/p>\n<p>Berlin, however, did not endorse their call.<\/p>\n<p>Germany remains the main chokepoint in the EU\u2019s strategy towards China. While Euronews previously <strong>reported<\/strong> that the publication late last year of Germany\u2019s trade deficit with Beijing marked a turning point for the EU executive, which is trying to sharpen its trade defence tools, Germany continues to favour cooperation with the Chinese.<\/p>\n<p>In March, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for a trade agreement with Beijing. Brussels <strong>pushed back<\/strong> against the idea.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;There are a number of concerns and real challenges that the European Union has consistently expressed to China that we need to see them meaningfully address before we can even talk about any future agreements or anything like that,&#8221; the Commission\u2019s deputy chief spokesperson, Olof Gill, said at the time.<\/p>\n<p>Even with a record \u20ac87 billion trade deficit with China, Berlin hopes Beijing will keep its market open to German industry, despite the obstacles faced by EU businesses in China and the Asian giant&#8217;s strategy of reducing its dependence on foreign products.<\/p>\n<h2>Access to China&#8217;s market<\/h2>\n<p>The main objective of Reiche\u2019s visit this week is to discuss potential economic cooperation. According to the German government, the strategy is to explore future opportunities for collaboration while maintaining dialogue with the Chinese leadership.<\/p>\n<p>Despite a steadily growing trade deficit, China remained Germany\u2019s most important trading partner in 2025. According to the Federal Statistical Office, bilateral trade volume reached \u20ac250 billion. Around 5,200 German companies operate in China, making the country one of the most important foreign markets for Germany\u2019s automotive, mechanical engineering and electrical industries.<\/p>\n<p>During the trip, Reiche is expected to hold political talks, attend a business forum and visit local companies. She will be accompanied by a business delegation representing around 40 companies. Discussions are also set to focus on the development of energy technologies.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We hope the visit will help to transfer the insights gained on the ground into the political discussion in Berlin and to further develop bilateral exchange,&#8221; said Oliver Oehms, Executive Director of the German Chamber of Commerce in China.<\/p>\n<p>In a survey published in May by the chamber, 51% of German companies operating in China supported policies favouring partnerships with Chinese companies, while 42% backed the &#8220;strategic&#8221; use of knowledge gained through such partnerships.<\/p>\n<p>But these sectors are also increasingly under pressure, as Chinese competitors benefit from extensive state subsidies. <\/p>\n<p>According to a report published in May by the EU think tank Centre for European Reform, the growing concentration of global car, machinery and chemicals production in China could weaken innovation in traditional manufacturing hubs and increase Beijing\u2019s leverage over Berlin through the threat of supply disruptions, similar to its blockade of rare earth exports in 2025.<\/p>\n<p>The report added that demand generated by Germany\u2019s fiscal stimulus after easing its debt brake could end up boosting Chinese imports rather than supporting Berlin\u2019s domestic industry.<\/p>\n<p>German exports to China fell by 9.7% year-on-year, while imports of Chinese goods such as electronics, electric vehicles and components rose significantly by 8.8%.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;China has already eaten much of German industry\u2019s lunch and is preparing to start on dinner,&#8221; the report said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Industrial sovereignty: Five sectors where the EU is critically dependent on China<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Viral posts distort Kaja Kallas\u2019 remarks on China and Russia<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  What is China\u2019s Shenzhou-23 mission? Inside the year-long space experiment <\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  EU Policy<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  trade<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Germany<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  EU-China<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2895800-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2895800\" data-cid=\"9769114\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure 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id=\"abe-2896763-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/31\/17\/320x180_cmsv2_a64f24d8-46e3-5d10-923b-5182d41536eb-9773117.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A man holds a sign depicting current Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque in Tehran, 24 May 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ayatollah Khamenei breaks silence to vow no US bases in the region<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2896662-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896662\" data-cid=\"9772684\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896662-label-pos4-top-stories\" 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alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2895800-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2895800\" data-cid=\"9769114\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2895800-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/91\/14\/320x180_cmsv2_f5649824-02df-547d-b338-e70a935c315b-9769114.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen listens during the meeting at the Presidential palace in Vilnius, Lithuania, Tuesday, May 26, 2026. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU chief vows to stand firm against drones, disinformation campaigns<br \/>\n  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id=\"abe-2896499-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/19\/83\/320x180_cmsv2_13bfbfbd-4473-5938-8bf0-3ab65012e26f-9771983.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Employees of the national electricity distributor work in freezing temperatures to fix power lines damaged by blizzards, near Pitulicea, Romania, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    No reply means yes: EU pushes silent approval for energy grid permits<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896779-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896779\" data-cid=\"9773255\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896779-label-pos6-top-stories\" 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Greeks off Turkey<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2895789-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2895789\" data-cid=\"9769066\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Where in Europe do households save most of their income?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896462-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896462\" data-cid=\"9771735\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Two suspected Ebola cases detected in Italy test negative<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896661-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896661\" data-cid=\"9772683\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Four dead and two injured after train hits school bus in Belgium<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896428-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896428\" data-cid=\"9771560\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    These are the best countries to move to around the world<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">German Trade Minister Katherina Reiche is travelling to China from Tuesday to Friday as Berlin\u2019s trade deficit with Beijing continues to deepen.The trip comes two days after several of the EU\u2019s largest economies \u2013 France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, as well as Lithuania \u2013 issued a non-paper urging the EU to crack down on Chinese overcapacity and unfair trade practices.Berlin, however, did not endorse their call.Germany remains the main chokepoint in the EU\u2019s strategy towards China. While Euronews previously reported that the publication late last year of Germany\u2019s trade deficit with Beijing marked a turning point for the EU executive, which is trying to sharpen its trade defence tools, Germany continues to favour cooperation with the Chinese.In March, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for a trade agreement with Beijing. Brussels pushed back against the idea.&#8221;There are a number of concerns and real challenges that the European Union has consistently expressed to China that we need to see them meaningfully address before we can even talk about any future agreements or anything like that,&#8221; the Commission\u2019s deputy chief spokesperson, Olof Gill, said at the time.Even with a record \u20ac87 billion trade deficit with China, Berlin hopes Beijing will keep its market open to German industry, despite the obstacles faced by EU businesses in China and the Asian giant&#8217;s strategy of reducing its dependence on foreign products.Access to China&#8217;s marketThe main objective of Reiche\u2019s visit this week is to discuss potential economic cooperation. According to the German government, the strategy is to explore future opportunities for collaboration while maintaining dialogue with the Chinese leadership.Despite a steadily growing trade deficit, China remained Germany\u2019s most important trading partner in 2025. According to the Federal Statistical Office, bilateral trade volume reached \u20ac250 billion. Around 5,200 German companies operate in China, making the country one of the most important foreign markets for Germany\u2019s automotive, mechanical engineering and electrical industries.During the trip, Reiche is expected to hold political talks, attend a business forum and visit local companies. She will be accompanied by a business delegation representing around 40 companies. Discussions are also set to focus on the development of energy technologies.&#8221;We hope the visit will help to transfer the insights gained on the ground into the political discussion in Berlin and to further develop bilateral exchange,&#8221; said Oliver Oehms, Executive Director of the German Chamber of Commerce in China.In a survey published in May by the chamber, 51% of German companies operating in China supported policies favouring partnerships with Chinese companies, while 42% backed the &#8220;strategic&#8221; use of knowledge gained through such partnerships.But these sectors are also increasingly under pressure, as Chinese competitors benefit from extensive state subsidies.According to a report published in May by the EU think tank Centre for European Reform, the growing concentration of global car, machinery and chemicals production in China could weaken innovation in traditional manufacturing hubs and increase Beijing\u2019s leverage over Berlin through the threat of supply disruptions, similar to its blockade of rare earth exports in 2025.The report added that demand generated by Germany\u2019s fiscal stimulus after easing its debt brake could end up boosting Chinese imports rather than supporting Berlin\u2019s domestic industry.German exports to China fell by 9.7% year-on-year, while imports of Chinese goods such as electronics, electric vehicles and components rose significantly by 8.8%.&#8221;China has already eaten much of German industry\u2019s lunch and is preparing to start on dinner,&#8221; the report said.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2026\/05\/26\/germany-resists-eu-members-push-for-a-tougher-stance-on-china&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/30\/94\/1200x675_cmsv2_e3282c8a-6180-54c4-a695-cd567942d189-9773094.jpg&#8221;] Iran Ayatollah Khamenei breaks silence to vow no US bases in the region Europe News EU chief vows to stand firm against drones, disinformation campaigns Health news Foreign aid cuts: Which countries cut spending the most in 2025? 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Iran Ayatollah [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-1956036","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1956036","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1956036"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1956036\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1956036"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1956036"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1956036"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}