Germany after Merkel will become more China-sceptic

Significance

While Merkel has viewed relations with China primarily in terms of economic cooperation and German interests, there is growing opposition to this approach at home, including from within her Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Germany's stance on China appears increasingly out of step with how its international allies view Beijing.

Impacts

• A Green victory in September's elections would further undermine the ratification prospects of the EU-China investment deal.
• A more China-sceptic parliament after September could accelerate the end of Chinese tech giant Huawei's operations in Germany.
• Germany policy on China after Merkel will have a significant influence on how the EU deals with China.