Germany China Relations: German lawmakers issued a stark warning in Berlin as the Bundestag voted to establish a new commission dedicated to reviewing security-relevant economic ties with China. MPs from CDU/CSU, SPD and the AfD backed the motion, citing Germany’s dramatic dependence on Chinese rare earths — critical materials that keep the country’s industries running.<br /><br />AfD MP Dirk Brandes declared that “Beijing, not Germany” currently decides whether German supply chains continue to function, while CDU lawmakers urged Europe to stop acting like a “passenger” and strengthen resilience against strategic vulnerabilities.<br /><br />With China producing over 90% of the world’s rare earth metals — and recently postponing export limits after talks with President Donald Trump — German lawmakers fear their industries are exposed to political pressure. The new commission will analyse dependencies, propose legislative action, and aim to strengthen Germany’s sovereignty “through its own strength.”<br /><br />The debate saw sharp exchanges over reciprocity, market access, and whether creating a China-specific commission risks escalating already tense relations.<br /><br />#chinagermany #germany #china #EU #apt
