German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil arrives in Beijing this week on a high-stakes mission to address a record-breaking €87 billion (£76.75 billion) trade deficit. The figures highlight that the 'win-win' era with China is effectively over for German industry, marking a significant shift in the longstanding economic relationship.
This visit is the first by a German cabinet minister from the new coalition government and follows a recent failed trip by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, which was scuttled by Beijing. With German industrial leaders increasingly warning of intense competition and wobbling supply chains, Klingbeil's talks are seen as a critical test of a relationship now deeply fractured.
