Overview
- Wadephul arrived in China 43 days after his planned October visit was canceled following a diplomatic incident.
- Chinese officials had initially offered only a meeting with Foreign Minister Wang Yi, seen as a response to Wadephul’s criticism of Beijing’s threats toward Taiwan.
- The itinerary broadened in Beijing, where Wadephul met Wang Yi and three additional Chinese officials.
- Talks covered Taiwan and trade, and Wadephul also made public appearances, including a visit to Jingshan Park overlooking the Forbidden City.
- Analysts urge Germany and the EU to leverage China’s interest while avoiding naïveté as relations ease cautiously.