Friendship has grown closer over quarter of a century

Li Keqiang's story with Germany goes back much further than his 19 months as premier.

Public records show a personal connection with the German people that goes back at least 24 years and highlights Li's huge interest in the German automobile industry.

Behind the premier's decades-long story is "a huge and lasting impetus from the two economies who have valued each other" and worked hard on public diplomacy, veteran diplomats and witnesses of the history told China Daily.