On October 11, 2022, Germany and China will celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations. In this context, the bilateral relations of the last 50 years are based on a common strategic and economic interest in a peaceful world order, international cooperation as well as free access to global trade routes.

Since 2017, China has been Germany's most important trading partner. Last year, eight percent of German exports went to the People's Republic. As a member of the Asian Development Bank and an important hub in Europe, Germany is participating in the realization of the New Silk Road (whose namesake, incidentally, is the German geologist and geographer Ferdinand von Richthofen).

German-Chinese economic relations date back to the German Empire. Some companies such as BASF, AEG and Siemens have been active in China for over 100 years. Siemens exported telegraphs in 1872 and built the country's first steam engine and streetcar line. The famous quote by former Volkswagen manager Ferdinand Piëch, "We're going to get the Chinese off bicycles" marked the beginning of the success story of German automakers in China in the early 1990s.

Joint cooperation in science and education has also been continuously expanded since 1972 and today covers important future topics such as Industry 4.0, battery technology and climate research.

As early as 1975, the first ten Chinese students came to Heidelberg University. In the meantime, China represents by far the largest group of foreign students in Germany, with around 45,000 students. Around one third of all management positions in research and development in China today are held by people who received their scientific training in Germany.

Whether in politics, business or research, regular and personal exchange has been a mainstay of joint relations - especially in more difficult times. A tradition that can hopefully be better cultivated again soon with a reduction in travel restrictions.

RSBK newsletter KW39-40 originally in German language

translated by Holger Haldenwang