Overview
- Berlin said the visit would be rescheduled after only a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was confirmed.
- Economy Minister Katherina Reiche announced a diplomatic protest over blocked semiconductor shipments, citing a chip shortage hitting German industry.
- Johann Wadephul had planned to press for relief from Chinese export curbs on rare earths and semiconductors and to urge Beijing to use its influence over Russia for Ukraine peace efforts.
- Brussels confirmed both in-person and virtual high-level technical meetings next week following Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič’s call with China’s Wang Wentao.
- Political reactions in Berlin split along party lines, with an SPD foreign policy voice urging a rethink of China strategy and a CDU counterpart backing the postponement.