Consensus On Multiple Outcomes, Easing Trade Tensions, China–Germany High-level Financial Dialogue Convened In Beijing

On November 17, He Lifeng, Vice Premier of the State Council and head of the Chinese delegation, and Christian Lindner, German Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister of Finance and head of the German delegation, jointly chaired the fourth China–Germany High-Level Financial Dialogue in Beijing. He Lifeng stated that China is ready to work with Germany to implement the important consensus reached by the two countries’ leaders, open a new chapter in the comprehensive strategic partnership, and contribute to stable global economic growth. Lindner said Germany is willing to deepen exchange and cooperation with China in the financial domain to further advance bilateral relations. During the dialogue, the two sides reached a series of mutually beneficial outcomes and understandings. Subsequently, He Lifeng and Lindner attended the second China–Germany Financial Roundtable together. Reuters reported on November 17 that “China and Germany agreed to strengthen economic and trade ties and end trade tensions,” noting that the two countries are the world’s second- and third-largest economies.

The China–Germany High-Level Financial Dialogue is one of three major high-level dialogue and cooperation mechanisms between the two nations, with both sides agreeing in principle to hold it biennially on a rotating basis.

Germany’s ZDF reported on November 17 that at the outset of the talks, China called for enhanced dialogue and encouraged German companies to “invest in China,” emphasizing the aim to jointly foster a fair and non-discriminatory business environment. On trade disputes with the European Union, China expressed hope that Germany would use its influence to help ease tensions. Reports indicated the EU had imposed additional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and other products, to which China responded with anti-dumping investigations on certain EU goods.

Germany’s Die Welt wrote on November 17 that China is both a partner and a competitor for Germany, and Lindner’s six-hour meeting with the Chinese Vice Premier was significant. According to German government sources, prior to his China visit, Lindner had communicated with Chancellor Merz and Foreign Minister Wadephul on key issues, stating, “We maintain close communication within the German government and within the EU.”

Before the fourth dialogue, Lindner told media: “Germany and China working together can find solutions to the challenges of our time.” He noted that German investment in technical and engineering fields has supported China’s development and modernization, while Chinese suppliers are integral to Germany’s industrial value chain. “Decades of close German–Chinese trade relations mean we share a common responsibility.”

Jian Junbo, Director of the Center for European Studies at the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University, told Global Times on November 17 that the German finance minister’s visit marks an important step in institutionalized high-level China–Europe exchanges, helping promote bilateral relations through formal channels. He observed the dialogue occurred against a backdrop of recent disputes and friction in China–Germany relations and a negative public atmosphere; accordingly, improving and restoring official exchanges and advancing bilateral ties can have positive effects. Jian Junbo argued the necessity of the talks rests on two points: first, bilateral relations had stalled due to Germany’s “inappropriate actions,” lacking forward momentum—especially since the Merz government took office—and urgently need improvement; second, Germany faces numerous domestic economic challenges, making economic considerations a key driver for dialogue.

Stefan Bernhart, Vice President of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, told Global Times on November 17 that amid escalating geopolitical tensions, maintaining regular dialogue between the EU, its member states, and China is both important and necessary, with this dialogue focusing on the financial sector. Over the past year or so, EU Chamber member companies have made positive progress in this area, though long-standing issues remain. He added that, beyond financial specifics, broader challenges affecting European firms were included, such as stability in rare earth and semiconductor supply chains.

Jian Junbo concluded that Lindner’s visit will help strengthen institutionalized exchanges between China and Germany, build political trust, lay the groundwork for bilateral economic cooperation, and potentially expand prospective market linkages. “From the perspective of China–EU relations, as a key EU member state, if Germany’s exchanges with China stabilize, it will help move overall China–EU relations toward normalization and provide positive momentum.”