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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
The Scream from Dead Poets’ Liquid Gallery v4: Dead Painters menu in Hong Kong, inspired by the Edvard Munch artwork of the same name. Photo: Handout
Food and Drinks

Your Hong Kong weekend drinks guide for February 5-7

Kick off this month with painter-themed drinks at Dead Poets, guest shifts that bring Asian-inspired cocktails to The Opposites, and Italian flavours to Avoca.

Semiconductors

GaN pioneer Innoscience expands AI footprint with Google hardware collaboration

Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Hong Kong recalls Aptamil baby milk formula batch over toxin contamination fears

Crime

Chinese man on trial in Munich for raping sedated partner, echoing Pelicot case

The 27-year-old faces trial for drugging, raping, and filming his Chinese girlfriend, and is charged with attempted murder and aggravated rape.

Munich Regional Court. Photo: Shutterstock
Sweden

Multinationals race into China’s US$143.9 billion instant retail market

Ikea, Continental and Aldi Nord enlist local partners to launch faster, more comprehensive delivery services than they offer abroad.

European Union

As I see it | When in doubt, EU leaders dig an even bigger hole

Brussels presses on with its self-defeating policy of isolating Russia, even as the US makes clear its transatlantic ally is effectively on its own for its security.

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Africa

Islamic State claims bold attack on Niger’s strategic airport hub

Islamic State militants claim a coordinated raid on Niamey’s airport, targeting a strategic hub hosting uranium and regional military bases.

The Niamey airport in Niger, where damage is visible on the roofs of hangars on Thursday. Photo: 2026 Planet Labs PBC/AFP
United States

Outside In | Gradually, then suddenly, the world is waking up to the US threat

Middle powers are pivoting to Beijing and hedging with new partners as China’s economic displacement of the US rapidly expands.

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Greenland

Greenland mayor issues warning after US flag stunt

German comedian Maxi Schafroth attempted to hoist the flag in Nuuk, then claimed to be a US official when confronted by angry locals.

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China-EU relations

‘Mother of all trade deals’: EU pivots to India in historic trade shake-up

Brussels diversifies away from China and US risks, while the pact makes India a more attractive place for European firms to sell vehicles and fuel growth.

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The European Council president, Antonio Costa (left); the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen (right); and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pose ahead of their meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters
South Korea

South Korea’s ex-first lady gets 20 months’ jail for corruption

A court sentenced Kim for receiving luxury items from an official linked to the Unification Church.

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A supporter stands in front of a banner showing South Korea’s former president Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife Kim Keon-hee near the Central District Court in Seoul on January 16. Photo: AFP
US-China trade war

Xi Jinping meets foreign leaders: tracker 2026

World leaders are flocking to Beijing this year, seeking trade deals amid intensified Trump tariff threats.

Mergers & Acquisitions

China’s Anta snags Puma from France’s Pinault family in US$1.8 billion deal

China’s largest sportswear firm is acquiring 29 per cent to become Puma’s biggest shareholder while strengthening its global expansion.

China-EU relations

European leaders say the quiet part out loud: order no longer constrains power

EU leaders appear to have finally accepted they are facing a new era of great power competition – the question now is how they respond.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
European Union

EU lawmakers divided over resuming work on US trade deal after Greenland crisis

The EU, which suspended the deal in protest against Trump’s demand to take over Greenland, has put off a decision until next week.

A drone view of Nuuk, Greenland. Photo: Reuters
China's military weapons

Why Thailand, a US treaty ally, is stocking up on Chinese weapons

Bangkok’s recent purchases of Chinese military hardware include tanks, missiles and ships, while a submarine deal is back on track.

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Music

Former Scorpions bassist Francis Buchholz dies at 71

His time with the legendary German rock band was marked by hits like ‘Winds of Change’ and ‘Rock You Like a Hurricane’.

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World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos

As Trump shakes world order, Western countries recalibrate approach to China

At Davos, world leaders take veiled swipes at the US, while China frames itself as defender of the post-war system, analysts say.

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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks during the 56th annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters
China-EU relations

Germany’s Merz talked tough on reform. Will stark car slump force action?

Export slide matched by import upward swing comes amid divisive debate on how German industry can deal with China’s manufacturing prowess.

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Hong Kong transport

Air travellers are being urged to ditch power banks. Here’s why

Hong Kong tour operator says it has asked its clients to bring charging cables instead.

European Union

Macroscope | Why Europe struggles to stand up to Trump

Despite being equipped with powerful tools in its economic arsenal, Brussels lacks the leverage needed to keep Washington in check.

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Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte (left) speaks to US President Donald Trump during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on January 21. Photo: AFP
Science

Scientists plan deep-sea expedition to probe ‘dark oxygen’

The existence of a previously unknown source of oxygen would call into question long-held assumptions about the origins of life on Earth.

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Andrew Sweetman is seen in an undated image working with one of the new landers in Oban, Scotland. Photo: Scottish Association for Marine Science of AFP
Electric & new energy vehicles

Chinese EV makers’ outlook overseas improves as Europe levels the playing field

Europe’s 33 per cent EV sales growth outpaces the mainland in 2025, while Germany launches a US$3.5 billion subsidy programme.

Electric & new energy vehicles

Chinese automotive suppliers speed up localisation to boost global market share

International carmakers’ orders from Chinese vendors are an endorsement of the quality and competitiveness of their products, analyst says.

Canada

Canada considers sending small contingent of troops to Greenland

Canada’s Carney reviews role in Nato exercises as European allies push back against Trump’s threats to take Greenland.

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A Danish soldier during a shooting drill at an undisclosed location in Greenland. Photo: Danish Armed Forces via AFP
US-China relations

How narrowing China-US gap could reshape global power play by 2035

Political scientist Yan Xuetong predicts Beijing will be on ‘equal footing’ in strategic rivalry with Washington in the post-Trump era.

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China and the US have been working to keep the peace ahead of possible reciprocal visits by US President Donald Trump (left) and Chinese President Xi Jinping (right), shown here in Busan, South Korea, on October 30. Photo: AFP
Greenland

Punch back or punching bag? EU weighs response to Trump Greenland tariff threat

Bloc has been reluctant to act on his various punitive moves, but many now believe that a threshold has been crossed, analysts say.

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Greenland

Europe prepares retaliation over Trump’s Greenland ultimatum

Eight European countries consider US$108 billion retaliation and ‘anti-coercion’ tools after Trump vows tariffs on Europe over Arctic island.

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