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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
A VW ID.Unyx 08 is displayed during the Volkswagen Group Night ahead of the Auto China 2026 trade show in Beijing on April 21. Photo: dpa
China-EU relations

Opinion | A new framework may be the only way to save China-EU trade

Both sides have every incentive to explore a deal that does what blunt protectionism cannot: manage the complexities of their interdependence.

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Russia

Russia to hold equipment-free Red Square parade as Ukraine war grinds on

US, Israel war on Iran

‘Wartime’ in Iran and Trump’s extended blockade: here’s what happened overnight

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Science

Nobel laureate biochemist Hartmut Michel joins Jilin University in China

The 77-year-old has taken up a full-time role as a professor with one of the leading teaching hospitals in the country’s northeast.

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German biochemist Hartmut Michel shared the 1988 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for revealing how photosynthesis works at the molecular level. Photo: Handout
Africa

Mali junta reports ‘terrorist’ attacks on several targets

The landlocked West African nation has been ruled by the military since a coup in 2020.

India

India-Germany defence road map ‘good template’ for wider EU cooperation

Deeper defence ties are expected to boost India’s maritime modernisation efforts and Europe’s security role in the Indo-Pacific, experts say.

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European Union

Germany’s Merz says no ‘immediate’ Ukraine EU membership

There is little appetite to fast track Kyiv to full membership in the EU – causing some to pitch possible interim benefits in the meantime.

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Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz (middle) shakes hands with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky ahead of an informal meeting of the European Council, in Ayia Napa on Thursday. Photo: AFP
The Philippines

German man accused of live streaming child abuse in the Philippines

The man is alleged to have paid female accomplices in the Philippines to carry out sexual abuse against girls aged between four and 13.

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China-EU relations

‘It’s a tightrope’: why Europe’s wind industry faces a growing China dilemma

A debate is swirling in Europe over what role China should play in its wind power push, as the continent confronts the Middle East energy crisis.

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Electric & new energy vehicles

Chinese EV makers bet on in-house chips to make cars smarter and more autonomous

Chinese EV makers are showcasing advanced in-house chips at Auto China, powering smarter vehicles and challenging global tech leaders.

Hesai CEO David Li speaks at the lidar maker’s tech open day in Shanghai, on April 17, 2026. Photo: Reuters
Animals

‘Free Timmy!’: beached whale grips and divides Germany

An initial wave of sympathy has tipped into public anger, spurring elaborate rescue plans, conspiracy theories and death threats.

The 13-metre-long male whale, nicknamed Timmy by German media, remains stuck off the small island of Poel near the town of Wismar. Photo: Reuters
US, Israel war on Iran

Iran’s exiled crown prince splashed with red substance in Berlin

Reza Pahlavi targeted while leaving a press conference where he said diplomacy with Iran ‘has been given enough chance’.

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Electric & new energy vehicles

China’s premium EVs mount tech-powered challenge to BMW, Mercedes-Benz at expo

10-day show in Beijing, the world’s largest, to feature 1,451 models and exhibition area of 380,000 square metres.

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China exports

How a Chinese plastics hub shapes Tesla’s supply chain – and moulds the modern world

From car components to keyboards, this little-known industrial district in eastern China is crafting the small parts the world relies on.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
China trade

Learn from the East, says economist Justin Lin, refuting ‘overcapacity’ rhetoric

Former World Bank economist defends Beijing’s industrial strategy amid ‘overcapacity’ allegations, points to Germany and a ‘double standard’.

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Justin Lin Yifu, dean of the Institute of New Structural Economics at Peking University, is seen at last month’s Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026 in China’s Hainan province. Photo: Xinhua
Russia

Russia arrests German woman over bomb plot it says is linked to Ukraine

There have been arrests of Western citizens by Russia amid the Ukraine war, typically on espionage charges that are widely seen as baseless.

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Food and Drinks

How asparagus benefits your health – and the different ways to cook it

Chefs share their tips, from simple grilling to fermenting, highlighting the vegetable’s versatility and seasonal appeal … but why does it make your urine smell?

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Banking & finance

Cash holdings rise amid war, but Asia remains key for wealthy: Schroders CEO

High-net-worth clients continue to seek opportunities in Asia, taking a longer-term view despite global uncertainties, Richard Oldfield says.

Schroders Group CEO Richard Oldfield at the company’s Hong Kong office in Admiralty on April 15. Photo: Eugene Lee
China’s private sector

Chinese drug makers take on Western dominance in US$16 billion Parkinson’s race

The future of treating brain diseases could lie in non-invasive technologies, according to Chongqing Haifu Medical Technology.

Banking & finance

Hong Kong wants to be a global gold vault. Does the Iran war create an opening?

Geopolitical risk is driving a rethink of where bullion is stored – and Hong Kong’s unique status is drawing attention.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Iran war: France and UK to lead ‘defensive’ force for Strait of Hormuz

Trump, meanwhile, says he received a Nato offer to help secure the key waterway but told the alliance to ‘STAY AWAY’.

A vessel is seen at the Strait of Hormuz, off the coast of Oman’s Musandam province, on Sunday. Photo: Reuters
Crime

Chinese ring used 500 locations in Germany for illegal sex work: prosecutors

Five suspects are accused of organised smuggling of foreigners for their roles in operating the syndicate over the past three years.

Scores of Chinese women were smuggled into Germany for illegal sex work, with five suspects facing charges for operating the ring. Photo: Shutterstock
China manufacturing

China focuses on car standards to put industry in global driving seat

New five-year plan also emphasised importance of stronger standards in boosting Chinese manufacturers’ competitiveness.

US, Israel war on Iran

Europe tests ‘third way’ on Hormuz without the US, Israel and Iran. Will it work?

Coalition of more than 30 nations to meet in Paris for a summit to find a ‘credible proposal’ to restore shipping through the strait.

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SCMP Highlights

China’s 3-satellite surveillance network, C919 faces ‘final exam’: 7 highlights

From Chinese AI cracking decade-old maths problem to Japan eyeing Nato partnership, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

A rendering of the Ludi Tance 4-01, the world’s first geosynchronous orbit synthetic aperture radar satellite. Photo: Handout
US-China trade war

Why the biggest threat to US dollar dominance may well be Washington itself

Economic sanctions, access to US-led banking systems are powerful tools, but overuse reduces their effectiveness over time, Congress told.

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China has been patiently chipping away at the US dollar’s global dominance, and Washington may even be doing it a favour. Photo: dpa
Africa

Sudan enters 4th year of war as ‘abandoned crisis’ grows

The war has pushed parts of Sudan into famine and the UN says about 34 million people, or almost two of every three Sudanese, need help.

China energy security

Which countries are most vulnerable as US imposes Persian Gulf blockade?

Nomura says more than 90 per cent of the crude oil imported by Japan and the Philippines comes from the Middle East.

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