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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 humanoid robot poses at a BYD booth beside an electric vehicle at the Beijing auto show. Photo: Kyodo
SCMP Highlights

Chinese brands eye Europe; Geely joins Chery, BYD profit slide: 7 EV reads

From Malaysia’s import curbs to film-projecting headlights, here are seven EV stories you may have missed.

China-EU relations

German firms in China more optimistic despite Iran war, trade headwinds: survey

European Union

EU rejects Putin’s idea of role for ex-German leader in future security talks

Electric & new energy vehicles

Chinese smart cars set to control 20% of western European market by 2028: JPMorgan

Amid surging demand for electrification and a worldwide energy crisis, domestic carmakers can benefit from the stepped-up ‘go-global’ drive.

MG electric cars before being loaded onto a ship for export at the port in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province on April 29. Photo: CN-STR / AFP
Hantavirus

More passengers from hantavirus-hit cruise ship test positive

Two passengers, French and American, test positive as governments take extensive precautions for evacuees.

China-Africa relations

Why China’s new duty-free access is a lifeline for South African exporters

South African trade is pivoting to China as US tariffs bite, but Chinese industrial dominance poses a new dilemma.

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Electric & new energy vehicles

Tech and pricing edge behind China’s SUV surge against BMW, Mercedes and Audi

Chinese SUVs storm the premium segment with fresh momentum, giving German marques their toughest test in years.

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The NIO ES9 on display during the opening day of the Beijing Auto Show in Beijing on April 24, 2026. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

Opinion | China shouldn’t view a tired US as signifying a Europe ready to pivot

As fractures within the US’ network of alliances deepen, China’s strategic window opens a little wider, with some key caveats.

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China-EU relations

Could Spain’s ‘compliment sandwich’ approach to China work for the EU?

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s recent visit to Beijing illustrates ‘delicate equilibrium’, analyst says as others voice scepticism.

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Ukraine war

Putin says he thinks Ukraine conflict is coming to an end

The Russian leader added that a meeting with Ukraine’s Zelensky was possible only once a lasting peace deal was reached.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a press conference in Moscow on Saturday. Photo: Reuters
US-China relations

As I see it | Has China just ended the end of history?

As China continues to thrive, Western observers are beginning to rethink past assumptions about the country’s future.

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Tourists visit the Huangyao ancient town in Zhaoping county, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on May 3. Photo: Xinhua
Ukraine war

Beginning of the end? Trump announces 3-day Russia-Ukraine ceasefire deal

US president says ceasefire will include suspension of all ‘kinetic activity’ and an exchange of prisoners.

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Hantavirus

‘Not another Covid’ says WHO, as new suspected hantavirus cases found

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO chief, is in charge of MV Hondius’ evacuation; latest patient sat on plane near woman infected during cruise.

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Electric & new energy vehicles

Chinese EV maker Leapmotor taps Stellantis’ Spanish plant for EU production

Hangzhou carmaker’s overseas strategy highlights how Chinese brands are leveraging idle plants to scale globally while easing trade barriers.

A Leapmotor Lafa5 Ultra is on display at the Beijing Auto Show on April 24. Photo: AFP
China-Latin America relations

Lula won’t sideline China on rare earths, tells Trump refining stays in Brazil

In a three-hour White House meeting on Thursday, Brazil’s president pitched his country’s minerals to all comers.

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Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva gestures to reporters following his White House meeting with US President Donald Trump, at the Brazilian Embassy in Washington, on Thursday. Photo: Reuters
Ukraine war

Russia and Ukraine trade attacks ahead of Moscow war parade

Russia has threatened a massive strike on the heart of Kyiv if Ukraine disrupts the Victory Day parade on Saturday.

Disease

Nations race to trace passengers of hantavirus-hit cruise ship

Cruise operator says 29 passengers left the MV Hondius in St Helena on April 24, after the first death.

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Japan

Trump’s last diehard Japanese fans lose faith as Iran war chaos spreads

Concerns in Japan are also mounting over the security ties between Japan and the US as Trump seeks to withdraw more troops from Europe.

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Protesters hold placards representing Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and US President Donald Trump at a demonstration in Tokyo on Sunday. Photo: Reuters
China-EU relations

EU plan to rip out Chinese hardware will cost massive US$430 billion: report

Brussels’ proposed new Cybersecurity Act would require vast amounts of Chinese equipment to be ripped out and replaced in a slew of industries.

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Disease

Spain opens port to virus-hit cruise ship as rare Andes strain confirmed

Madrid steps in to help the MV Hondius, a luxury cruise ship at the centre of an international health scare.

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Electric & new energy vehicles

From Beijing to Berlin: Chinese EVs turn heads as brands eye European markets

BYD, Geely and Xpeng showcase eye-catching EVs at Beijing auto show as they build momentum in Europe and target more discerning buyers.

A humanoid robot poses at a BYD booth beside an electric vehicle at the Beijing auto show. Photo: Kyodo
Disease

Deadly hantavirus may have spread between humans on cruise, but risk low: WHO

The MV Hondius will be sailing to Spain’s Canary Islands, where the 150 people on board will be examined, cared for and sent home.

Health workers get off the MV Hondius as it remains off Cabo Verde on Monday. Photo: Qasem Elhato via AP
China-EU relations

Exclusive | EU sounds out industry over new trade weapon against China’s overcapacity

Brussels is polling business groups ahead of commissioners’ meeting but few details of the proposed instrument have been revealed.

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China-EU relations

Brussels bans Chinese inverters from EU-funded power projects

EU official says Brussels has identified cybersecurity and dependency risks in Chinese inverters.

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European Union

UK eyes joining EU’s €90 billion loan to Ukraine

Discussions at a summit in Armenia are a further sign of deepening European defence ties under rising US pressure.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday. Photo: dpa
Volkswagen

Driver ploughs car into crowd in Germany’s Leipzig, killing 2

The driver, a 33-year-old German citizen, was detained for what authorities described as a deliberate rampage.

Photos from the scene show a car with a battered front and a shattered windshield. Photo: Reuters
Crime

Germany jails mother for locking up daughter for 7 years

The girl, who is now 11 years old, was locked up for about seven years before being freed in September 2022.

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China-EU relations

Two worlds collide: the regulatory battlefield hanging over EU-China ties

One side crafts regulation out of fear that the other side’s rules may expose its vulnerabilities.

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