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Germany
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Germany

Germany
Germany
The latest breaking news and stories on Germany, a country in northern Europe known as a federal republic, and the world’s fourth largest economy. Also covering Germany’s relationship with China and Europe, plus commentary and updates on Germany’s economy, politics, society and social issues.
Capital
Berlin
Head of State
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier
Head of Government
Chancellor Olaf Scholz
Olaf Scholz
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz gives a statement after first exit polls of the Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania state elections. Photo: Reuters
European Union

‘Disaster’: Germany’s embattled chancellor suffers bruising election defeats

Friedrich Merz vows to stay the course on reforms as conservatives risk crashing out of a state parliament.

China trade

China elevates Li Chenggang to nation’s top international trade role

Crime in Hong Kong

Hong Kong customs seizes 13kg of suspected ketamine at airport, man arrested

China exports

China’s trade limits continue to bite into Japan’s rare earth imports

Rare earth magnet imports fall 17 per cent, following a 52 per cent plunge in July, amid deteriorating ties between Beijing and Tokyo.

China is the world’s largest supplier of rare earth permanent magnets, as well as rare earth materials more broadly. Photo: AP Photo
2026 Xi-Trump summits

Why China is playing it cool despite Trump’s disruption and churn

Despite months of US ambivalence, Beijing’s patience and composure at key Washington summit can show they are ‘the new adults in the room’.

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China-Germany relations

Are the doors to German universities closing for China’s STEM researchers?

As Berlin pursues de-risking, hundreds of visa applicants in China are rejected each year, an investigation finds.

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ICBMs

Opinion | Why cities have the responsibility to demand nuclear disarmament

As cities are the main targets of nuclear weapons, they have a responsibility to speak out and encourage efforts to eliminate them.

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A woman walks past the Atomic Bomb Dome in the centre of Hiroshima in 2025, ahead of the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong

As I see it | Why mainland Chinese despise the British – but Hongkongers don’t

Whereas Hong Kong people experienced a milder form of colonialism, mainland Chinese were subjected to the extremes of Western imperialism.

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Singapore

US firm Waymo to launch robotaxi service in Singapore in 2028

Trained specialists will drive Jaguar I-Pace vehicles and help Waymo adapt its technology to Singapore’s road layouts and other conditions.

China-EU relations

Von der Leyen’s ‘China shock’ speech aimed to send Beijing a message: analysts

The EU leader’s speech was light on specifics, but aimed to signal firm stance ahead of looming trade talks with Beijing, analysts say.

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attends a press conference in Strasbourg. Photo: Reuters
Friedrich Merz

After far-right win, Germany’s embattled leader faces more election tests

Chancellor Friedrich Merz braces for a potential double election blow this weekend as pressure mounts on his leadership.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz at a meeting of the German government’s cabinet in Berlin. Photo: EPA
Donald Trump

Trump threatens EU over ‘hostile’ proposal to make Canada associate member

US president warns of severe trade action as Ursula von der Leyen pitches historic partnership to Mark Carney.

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Middle East

Saudis turn to Western, regional allies as missile defences run low

Regional officials say kingdom appeals to France, UK, Pakistan, and Egypt for help against Houthis amid US interceptor shortages.

Qatar

Iranian and Saudi panellists spar at Xiangshan Forum over Middle East attacks

Verbal battle erupts at security conference over Tehran’s targeting of US bases in Saudi Arabia.

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Iranian representative Mohammad Taghi Osanlou attends the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing on Wednesday. Photo: AP
Friedrich Merz

Germany’s chancellor cancels UN trip amid mounting pressure at home

Friedrich Merz opts to remain in Berlin following far-right AfD gains and ahead of crucial regional votes.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Photo: Reuters
Science

Chinese scientists build world’s smallest CT scanner, weighing just 6kg

Compact and portable device can be used to analyse fossils and archaeological relics in the field, developer says.

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China trade

German firms want tougher action on Beijing. So why are investments in China up?

Companies are caught between China’s growing competitive threat and its importance as a market, manufacturer and source of growth.

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Espionage

German intelligence report warns of rising Chinese, Russian spy threat

A report by Germany’s counter-intelligence agency said some surveillance activities targeting military infrastructure can be linked to China.

The Russian flag flies on the roof of the Russian embassy in Berlin, Germany. Photo: dpa via AP
Nato

Finland to join France’s forward nuclear deterrent

France’s initiative would extend its nuclear deterrent to other European countries through joint exercises.

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War and conflict

My Take | US-Israeli failure to bomb Iran into submission was preordained

From Nazi Germany to Vietnam, history is rich with examples of countries that simply refuse to surrender to bombing.

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China-Africa relations

China bets on early Sudan deals to secure post-war economic edge

Lack of leverage by army-backed government in Khartoum may allow Chinese firms to secure favourable investment terms.

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China is pursuing port and power agreements in Sudan through a peace-through-development approach, say experts. Photo: Shutterstock Images
On Our Radar

HKLGFF: 37 years of queer cinema, from Leslie Cheung to RuPaul

Asia’s longest-running international LGBTQ film festival invites Hong Kong audiences on an emotional, cinematic ride, with a revamped programming featuring six distinct ‘moods’.

A still from Maspalomas, one of the centrepieces of this year’s Hong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. Photo: HKLGFF
China-EU relations

Why Sweden, once one of Beijing’s most outspoken critics, has changed its tune

Driven by geopolitical shifts and critical industrial needs, Stockholm is expected to pivot towards Beijing to shield its economic future.

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China economy

Opinion | Why China is steering clear of the US’ ‘exorbitant privilege’ model

Beijing is decoupling the internationalisation of the yuan as a transactional currency from the role of an unconstrained global reserve store of value.

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South Korea

Can a US$6 trillion South Korea-Japan economic bloc succeed?

A South Korean tycoon’s proposal could create the world’s fourth-biggest economic bloc, if both countries put history behind them.

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A robot seen at the Smart Factory & Automation World 2026 exhibition in the Gangnam district of Seoul in March. Photo: NurPhoto/Getty Images
Switzerland

‘Angel of Death’: Switzerland publishes 200-page dossier on Nazi doctor

The war criminal was infamous for carrying out horrific medical experiments on inmates at Auschwitz.

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Forensic doctor Daniel Munoz shows the skull of Nazi war criminal Josef Mengele at the school of medicine of Sao Paulo University in Brazil in December 2016. Photo: AP
China-Germany relations

AfD party won big in Saxony-Anhalt. Will it affect Germany’s approach to China?

In the wake of a key state election, observers say Germany’s economic pressures will persist, no matter who is in power.

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China trade

China’s global expansion offers German firms opportunity – for now

German chamber notes how some members see ‘golden window to partner up’ with Chinese companies as competition, trade tensions and possible EU measures raise risks.

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