Pragmatic and almost ideal trade partners

Many may consider it a mere coincidence. But the fact that German Chancellor Angela Merkel is visiting China, her 12th visit in 14 years, at a time when the US administration has upped the ante in the trade conflict with China calls for some serious reflection, especially on the part of China detractors.

The large business delegation accompanying her shows the level of confidence she has in her hosts that they will see through all the potential deals in just 48 hours, for that is how long her latest visit to China will last.

Yet neither China nor Germany is immune to rising trade protectionism. For instance, the German economy grew only 0.4 percent in the first half of this year, the lowest in the past five years.