German Economy Minister Pushes Cooperation and Competition on First Visit to Beijing

German Economy and Energy Minister Katherina Reiche speaks during the German National Maritime Conference in Emden, northern Germany, on April 29, 2026. Focke Strangmann/AFP via Getty ImagesGermany’s Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Katherina Reiche, called for a dual approach of “cooperation and competition” in Berlin’s economic relationship with China this week during her first official visit to Beijing.Reiche arrived in the Chinese capital on Wednesday for a three-day trip focused on addressing unfair competition, protecting German business interests, and ensuring continued access for rare earths. Her visit comes at a critical time as Germany’s economy faces mounting pressure from heavily subsidized Chinese rivals.