Li Keqiang’s visit to Berlin at the weekend, his first to the EU since taking over as Chinese premier in March, reflects not only the deepening political ties between China and Germany but also their growing economic interdependence.
The Chinese government views Germany as a gateway to Europe and Angela Merkel, German chancellor, as someone who can get things done. In an opinion piece in Die Zeit newspaper before his visit, Mr Li said China “appreciates what Germany has done to promote recovery in Europe”.
The tradition of Sino-German government consultations that began when Wen Jiabao was premier has helped cement what analysts have dubbed a “special relationship”.