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Feeding Asia's Giant With Arms and Autos

March 19, 2005

Since taking office, German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder has made a special effort to take an annual trip to China. The Asian giant has an insatiable demand for arms and autos, causing a great deal of controversy.

https://p.dw.com/p/6NnJ
A Chinese welcome for Germany's chancellorImage: AP

Since October 2004, the EU has raised the question of lifting its arms embargo against China. A lifting of the weapons ban would open a hugely attractive market yet detractors point out various reasons as to why the embargo should stay in place. The threat to Taiwan, human rights abuses, even job loss at home.

Meanwhile, the Chinese people desire more for the money they earn: Electronics, nicer apartments and cars. China's domestic automakers are turning to Europe for assistance, even buying manufacturers if necessary.

Here, DW-WORLD presents a selection of stories that relate to the current state of economic and political relations between Germany and the world's most populous country, China.

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Reports & Analysis

Arms, Cars Top Schröder’s China Trip

German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder arrived in Beijing on Monday for a three-day visit focusing on expanding trade ties and the European Union’s ban on arms sales to China.
December 6, 2004

German Parliament Rejects Arms Sales to China

Chancellor Gerhard Schröder found himself isolated in the desire to lift an arms embargo against China on Thursday. The coalition pointed to tensions with Taiwan and "massive deficits" in human rights.
October 29, 2004

US, EU on Collision Course Over China

Two senior members of the United States Congress warned the European Union this week that the lifting of the 15-year arms embargo on China could result in a halt of US sales in military technology to the EU.
March 3, 2005

Chinese Carmakers Eye Europe

While China's booming car market has attracted many foreign investors, the tables are turning: The Chinese takeover of Britain's Rover is a first sign that the People's Republic's carmakers are beginning to think global.
November 30, 2004

China Weapons Embargo Full of Holes

The US wants it, the EU wants it gone. The fight over the weapons embargo against China has smoldered for weeks. The fact is that European firms already deliver weapons to China -- as do American ones.
March 16, 2005