For many years, good relations with China ensured healthy profits and cheap products for the German economy.
However, over time, this relationship has turned into a dependency.
The documentary "In the Jaws of the Dragon – How to Deal with China?" explores the nature and extent of this reliance.
At a summit in October 2023 to discuss the "New Silk Road" infrastructure project, Chinese President Xi Jinping appeared alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Whether in Asia or the Middle East, China is clearly pushing for a new world order, with offensives directed against the West.
Germany is already feeling the consequences.
For a long time, trade with China flourished: starting in 1984, Volkswagen flooded the Chinese market with cars, eventually exporting one in every three VWs to China.
But now, Chinese companies like BYD are dominating the market with electric cars.
Germany's dependence on China for computer chips, antibiotics, and solar cells now seems utterly imprudent.
This dependency is becoming more apparent as China gains more political and economic leverage.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, its relations with Russia, or its ongoing conflict with Taiwan: where China once acted with restraint, it now demands its share of global power.
In Berlin, politicians are rubbing their eyes in disbelief: what was once a healthy relationship has now become a complex co-dependency.
And there is no easy way out.
