Germany Cancels China Trip Amid Rising Trade Tensions and Diplomatic Protest

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul's planned trip to Beijing was postponed due to insufficient high-level meetings arranged by China, reflecting escalating trade tensions between China and the EU. The visit was intended to address critical issues such as China's export restrictions on rare-earths and semiconductors and the Ukraine conflict, but Beijing only scheduled a meeting with Foreign Minister Wang Yi, leading to a cancellation and plans for a phone conversation instead. This diplomatic setback coincides with China's recent export bans on strategic minerals and semiconductors, which have severely impacted German industries, notably automotive production at Volkswagen due to chip shortages after the Dutch government seized a Chinese-owned chipmaker. In response, Germany has sent a diplomatic note to China seeking a swift resolution to the export restrictions. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's upcoming visit to Beijing remains pending, with reports suggesting that Xi Jinping has not allocated time to meet him, amid signs of a diplomatic chill as China prioritizes strengthening ties with the U.S. ahead of an anticipated summit between Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump. These developments highlight a broader realignment in China's foreign policy, favoring engagement with Washington over Berlin amid current geopolitical tensions.