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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
Employees work on a factory production line for Chery’s electric vehicles in China’s Anhui province. Photo: Reuters
Electric & new energy vehicles

China’s Chery plans for 1m EVs sold abroad amid global energy crisis

Anhui-based carmaker anticipates 27 per cent increase in foreign deliveries in 2026 as battery ranges improve and oil prices rise.

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China-EU relations

‘Phantom limb’: report blames China shock for Germany’s industrial malaise

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European Union

EU picks tungsten, rare earths, gallium for first critical mineral stockpile

China-EU relations

Chinese investment in Europe surges to 7-year high despite rising trade tensions

But study warns that new project pipeline appears to be drying up, as Chinese investors face pressure from both Beijing and Brussels.

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Chinese battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology Ltd is building a huge new facility in Debrecen, Hungary. Photo: Reuters
Ebola virus

WHO warns of ‘scale and speed’ of deadly Ebola outbreak

Deaths and cases surge in eastern DR Congo as rare Ebola strain spreads.

China-EU relations

China’s firms in Europe chose to save on legal services. Will it cost them?

Chinese companies, often reluctant to pay for legal services, are encountering greater compliance issues as they expand into a stricter EU.

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Africa

US to screen for Ebola at airports as American worker is infected

US implements airport screenings and suspends visa services following a WHO declaration over the deadly Ebola strain.

A digitally colourised scanning electron micrograph depiction shows numerous filamentous Ebola virus particles in green, budding from a chronically infected VERO E6 cell in orange. Photo: NIAID via Reuters
Animals

German police kill escaped tiger after handler mauled

Tiger escaped from a private facility, seriously injuring a volunteer before police shot the animal dead.

Asia travel

From Hamburg to Hong Kong, the art of the tourist nap explained

The culturally immersive and sensory-rich siesta – for a uniquely restorative travel experience.

Science

Is China becoming Europe’s top science partner amid an American brain drain?

‘Massive changes in the global flow of talent’ are creating opportunities, according to the head of Germany’s Max Planck Society.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
Animals

Timmy, the stranded whale that captivated Germany, found dead in Denmark

The animal had recently been released in the North Sea after an expensive and controversial rescue operation.

Helpers use straps to try to pull a stranded humpback whale in Fährdorf, Germany, in April. Photo: dpa via AP
Accidents and personal safety

New Zealand car crash: how Hongkongers can stay safe when driving abroad

Experts say motorists must be careful when adapting to driving on opposite side of vehicle with unfamiliar road conditions.

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2026 Xi-Trump summit

Taiwan casts long shadow over Trump’s summit with Xi

Beijing signals Taiwan will shape broader ties with Washington as Trump weighs future arms sales to the island.

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Electric & new energy vehicles

Peugeot, Jeep take on Chinese rivals with new models using local EV tech

Peugeot and Jeep are following in the footsteps of Hyundai Motor’s Ioniq to regain lost ground in mainland China.

A Peugeot concept car on display at the Auto China show in Beijing, April 24, 2026. Photo: Reuters
Japan

Japan-South Korea ‘comfort women’ row stoked by statues abroad

The removal of wartime sex slave memorials in Germany and New Zealand has electrified certain LDP hardliners, risking a diplomatic rift.

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A former South Korean “comfort woman” holds the hand of a statue symbolising Japan’s wartime sex slaves in Seoul in 2021. Photo: Reuters
Sexual harassment and assault

Paediatrician in Germany charged with sex offences in 130 cases

Most of the offences were committed while the accused was working at a hospital near Berlin, the prosecutor’s office says.

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.

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China-EU relations

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

Expectations for growth, profits and investment are all up, despite geopolitical turbulence.

German and Chinese national flags flutter on a lamppost at Tiananmen Gate in Beijing. Photo: Shutterstock
European Union

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

EU ministers dismiss proposed role for Gerhard Schroeder, who has cultivated a close relationship with Russia’s president.

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.

Hantavirus

More passengers from hantavirus-hit cruise ship test positive

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

A bus transporting repatriated British nationals from the MV Hondius as they arrive at Arrowe Park Hospital in Birkenhead, Britain. Photo: Reuters
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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Chinese customs officers inspect South African apples at Shenzhen Bay port on April 30, just before a new zero-tariff arrangement took effect. Photo: Xinhua
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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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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Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (left) arrive at the Diaoyutai Guest House in Beijing on April 11. Photo: Reuters
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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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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