A special relationship indeed

China and Germany remain close trade and economic partners to share the benefits of cooperation despite their differences

German officials once described Sino-German relations as a "special partnership", which is evident in the frequent mutual visits of the two heads of government and the high-level, wide-ranging, multi-issue Sino-German consultations.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited Beijing last week. It was her second visit this year and sixth overall as German chancellor.