World · East Asia & Pacific · 2 hrs ago
Germany's Steinmeier begins five-day state visit to China
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived in Hefei on Oct.
27 for a five-day state visit to China.
It is his first visit to China in nearly eight years, and he is due to meet Chinese leaders in Beijing at the end of the trip.
His itinerary includes cultural sites and a Volkswagen plant in Hefei, reflecting the importance of business ties between the countries.
China is a major market for German industries, but state-supported Chinese production is putting pressure on European manufacturers, while Germany and Europe also depend on China for some raw materials and technologies.
Germany is trying to maintain ties while reducing risks, and Steinmeier’s visit is intended to support dialogue as Europe takes a tougher approach to China.
At the same time, Chancellor Friedrich Merz is visiting Japan, Singapore and South Korea to strengthen Germany’s partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier began a five-day state visit to China on October 27.
He arrived in Hefei, the capital of Anhui province, rather than beginning his trip in Beijing.
The visit is his first trip to China in nearly eight years.
Steinmeier is due to tour China and conclude the visit in Beijing, where he will meet Chinese leaders.
His office said the trip will focus on Germany’s relations with China and the challenges involved.
- Who
- German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
- What
- He began a five-day state visit to China.
- When
- October 27, 2026.
- Where
- Hefei, Anhui province; the visit is due to conclude in Beijing.
- Why
- His office said the visit will focus on Germany’s diverse and complex relations with China and the challenges involved.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Steinmeier made his previous trip to China.
Steinmeier arrived in Hefei to begin his five-day state visit.
Steinmeier is due to tour China and conclude his trip in Beijing, where he will meet Chinese leaders.
- Visitor
- Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German president
- Duration
- Five days
- Arrival date
- October 27, 2026
- Arrival city
- Hefei, Anhui province
- Last China visit
- Nearly eight years earlier
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What people are saying
That was a concrete step, but it can only be the beginning.
This joint trip sends a very well-coordinated message to the Chinese that we remain committed to the partnership but at the same time are taking steps to reduce risk.