Germans emerge as Europe’s biggest China hawks as economic pain begins to bite

Germans have emerged as Europe's most hawkish voters on China, with a significant majority now considering Beijing a rival or adversary. A new survey reveals that 49 percent of Germans hold this view, surpassing other major EU countries in their critical assessment of China.

This shift in public opinion comes at a time of introspection in Berlin regarding its approach to China, particularly concerning trade policies. The survey findings suggest that German citizens may be receptive to a more assertive stance against Beijing. In contrast, only 38 percent of Germans view China positively, as either a partner or ally.

The findings are particularly noteworthy given Germany's deep economic ties with China, its largest trade and investment partner in Europe. For decades, a symbiotic relationship has fueled mutual industrial success. However, Germany is currently experiencing a broad manufacturing slowdown, which economists attribute, in part, to China's industrial ascent.

Economists highlight that China's industrial growth has significantly impacted Germany's manufacturing sector, which has shed approximately 420,000 jobs between 2019 and 2025, with an ongoing loss of 10,000 jobs per month. This economic pressure appears to be influencing public perception, leading to a more critical view of China.

In comparison, other European nations show different perspectives. France ranks second with 43 percent viewing China as a rival, while Spain and Bulgaria exhibit more favorable views, with 65 percent and 62 percent respectively seeing Beijing as a partner or ally. The German public's hardening stance suggests a potential recalibration of its foreign policy and economic strategy toward China.

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The China shock has hit Germany particularly hard: its manufacturing sector lost around 420,000 jobs between 2019 and 2025 and it continues to shed 10,000 jobs each month.