Published: 05:01 PM, 04 April 2025
China’s Support for Pro-China Fringe Parties in Germany
The new parliament in Germany convenes on March 25. All eyes are on Friedrich Merz, who will formally take over as Chancellor. What will be his government’s China policy? This is the big question. However, China is closely watching the unfolding developments related to the government formation in Germany. So far, it is extremely pleased with the results of Germany’s federal elections, as several emerging parties with pro-China inclinations have gained traction. The center-right CDU/CSU, led by Friedrich Merz, secured 28.6% of the vote, while the right-wing populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) unexpectedly became the second-largest party with 20.8%. This surge has drawn attention both within Germany and internationally.
Under Alice Weidel’s leadership, AfD’s ascent signals a major shift in Germany’s political landscape. Weidel, an economist fluent in Mandarin who wrote her doctoral dissertation on China’s pension system, holds a distinct stance on China compared to mainstream German parties. Having lived in China, she prioritizes economic cooperation over ideological friction. With AfD now the second-largest party, its potential to shape Germany’s political discourse—especially regarding foreign policy—has grown significantly.
The CDU’s failure to secure a decisive victory has left Merz in a difficult position, forcing him to negotiate coalition deals with smaller parties in a deeply divided Bundestag (Germany’s federal parliament). Although AfD remains controversial, the possibility of its inclusion in a governing coalition is not entirely ruled out. Alternatively, the party may become the largest opposition force, wielding unprecedented influence on Germany’s policies, including its approach to China.
Interestingly, Chinese media and netizens have dubbed Weidel the successor to “Angela Merkel,” a nod to former Chancellor Angela Merkel’s pragmatic approach to Beijing. State media has praised Weidel for prioritizing economic engagement over ideological tensions. Reports suggest that during the election campaign, Weidel met secretly with Wu Ken, China’s former ambassador to Germany—hinting at Beijing’s anticipation of a stronger pro-China voice in Berlin.
AfD’s platform advocates for reducing Germany’s dependence on the U.S., reassessing NATO’s role, and adopting a more independent foreign policy—all of which align with China’s broader objectives. The party’s opposition to NATO and calls for lifting sanctions on Russia echo Beijing’s interests, as China seeks closer ties with Moscow. AfD’s rise is, in part, a reaction to mainstream parties’ perceived failure to address these geopolitical concerns.
In 2023, Weidel and other AfD members visited China, signaling openness to Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects and reinforcing the party’s alignment with Beijing’s strategic goals. This has strengthened AfD’s positioning as a potential ally for China in shaping Germany’s future policies.
Besides AfD, two smaller parties—Die Linke and BSW—have also expressed pro-China sentiments. The far-left Die Linke, which secured around 5% of the vote, opposes military engagement in the Indo-Pacific and advocates diplomatic cooperation with China and the Global South. The party diverges from mainstream views on Ukraine, pushing for diplomacy rather than deterrence.
BSW, also securing around 5% of the vote, was founded by former Die Linke leader SahraWagenknecht. Economically left-leaning but socially conservative, BSW supports diplomatic engagement with China, recognizing its industrial capacity and leadership in BRICS. The party warns that Europe risks falling behind both the U.S. and China in digital and industrial development and calls for pragmatic trade policies to avoid economic conflict.
Germany’s once-dominant postwar parties, the CDU and SPD, no longer hold unchallenged power. The Bundestag is increasingly fragmented, giving smaller parties greater influence in shaping national policies—including foreign policy toward China. As Merz works to form a government, China is closely monitoring the process, particularly with the crucial parliamentary confidence vote set for March 25.
A recent report from German news site T-Online revealed that Maximilian Krah, an AfD politician, has extensive ties to Chinese influence networks. Several individuals close to Krah allegedly received funding from China, and one of his aides reportedly maintained connections with both Chinese dissident groups in Germany and Beijing—raising suspicions of infiltration. Krah is not the only AfD figure linked to China; several party politicians have visited the country at Beijing’s invitation in recent years.
China’s strategic engagement with emerging political parties has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, Weidel and other AfD members visited China, reinforcing their openness to BRI projects. This growing relationship suggests Beijing sees AfD as a valuable partner in reshaping Germany’s foreign policy.
Even beyond Germany, AfD’s rise has drawn international interest. Tesla CEO Elon Musk participated in AfD’s election campaign in January, while U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance met Weidel on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. Vance openly criticized Europe’s centrist parties and encouraged German leaders to collaborate with AfD rather than isolating it.
However, it won’t be wrong to say that AfD’s rise marks a turning point in German politics. Whether it joins a coalition or assumes a dominant opposition role, it will play an important role in Germen politics. The party’s influence, combined with the presence of other China-friendly parties like Die Linke and BSW, certainly presents an opportunity for Beijing to shape Germany’s foreign policy in its favour which is a matter of serious concern for the global community.
China’s strategic investments in fostering ties with Germany’s rising political forces seem to be paying off. As AfD pushes for a multipolar world order, Beijing will likely continue supporting its influence, ensuring that China’s interests remain firmly embedded in Germany’s evolving political landscape.China’s moves in Germany are a cause of serious concern. The strategic engagement with small, pro-China parties could serve as a template for China to replicate in other countries, helping to increase its influence globally. This shift in political dynamics raises the need for the international community to remain vigilant, as similar tactics could be employed elsewhere, potentially reshaping foreign policies and global alliances on a broader scale.
>> Source: European Times
Under Alice Weidel’s leadership, AfD’s ascent signals a major shift in Germany’s political landscape. Weidel, an economist fluent in Mandarin who wrote her doctoral dissertation on China’s pension system, holds a distinct stance on China compared to mainstream German parties. Having lived in China, she prioritizes economic cooperation over ideological friction. With AfD now the second-largest party, its potential to shape Germany’s political discourse—especially regarding foreign policy—has grown significantly.
The CDU’s failure to secure a decisive victory has left Merz in a difficult position, forcing him to negotiate coalition deals with smaller parties in a deeply divided Bundestag (Germany’s federal parliament). Although AfD remains controversial, the possibility of its inclusion in a governing coalition is not entirely ruled out. Alternatively, the party may become the largest opposition force, wielding unprecedented influence on Germany’s policies, including its approach to China.
Interestingly, Chinese media and netizens have dubbed Weidel the successor to “Angela Merkel,” a nod to former Chancellor Angela Merkel’s pragmatic approach to Beijing. State media has praised Weidel for prioritizing economic engagement over ideological tensions. Reports suggest that during the election campaign, Weidel met secretly with Wu Ken, China’s former ambassador to Germany—hinting at Beijing’s anticipation of a stronger pro-China voice in Berlin.
AfD’s platform advocates for reducing Germany’s dependence on the U.S., reassessing NATO’s role, and adopting a more independent foreign policy—all of which align with China’s broader objectives. The party’s opposition to NATO and calls for lifting sanctions on Russia echo Beijing’s interests, as China seeks closer ties with Moscow. AfD’s rise is, in part, a reaction to mainstream parties’ perceived failure to address these geopolitical concerns.
In 2023, Weidel and other AfD members visited China, signaling openness to Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects and reinforcing the party’s alignment with Beijing’s strategic goals. This has strengthened AfD’s positioning as a potential ally for China in shaping Germany’s future policies.
Besides AfD, two smaller parties—Die Linke and BSW—have also expressed pro-China sentiments. The far-left Die Linke, which secured around 5% of the vote, opposes military engagement in the Indo-Pacific and advocates diplomatic cooperation with China and the Global South. The party diverges from mainstream views on Ukraine, pushing for diplomacy rather than deterrence.
BSW, also securing around 5% of the vote, was founded by former Die Linke leader SahraWagenknecht. Economically left-leaning but socially conservative, BSW supports diplomatic engagement with China, recognizing its industrial capacity and leadership in BRICS. The party warns that Europe risks falling behind both the U.S. and China in digital and industrial development and calls for pragmatic trade policies to avoid economic conflict.
Germany’s once-dominant postwar parties, the CDU and SPD, no longer hold unchallenged power. The Bundestag is increasingly fragmented, giving smaller parties greater influence in shaping national policies—including foreign policy toward China. As Merz works to form a government, China is closely monitoring the process, particularly with the crucial parliamentary confidence vote set for March 25.
A recent report from German news site T-Online revealed that Maximilian Krah, an AfD politician, has extensive ties to Chinese influence networks. Several individuals close to Krah allegedly received funding from China, and one of his aides reportedly maintained connections with both Chinese dissident groups in Germany and Beijing—raising suspicions of infiltration. Krah is not the only AfD figure linked to China; several party politicians have visited the country at Beijing’s invitation in recent years.
China’s strategic engagement with emerging political parties has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, Weidel and other AfD members visited China, reinforcing their openness to BRI projects. This growing relationship suggests Beijing sees AfD as a valuable partner in reshaping Germany’s foreign policy.
Even beyond Germany, AfD’s rise has drawn international interest. Tesla CEO Elon Musk participated in AfD’s election campaign in January, while U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance met Weidel on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. Vance openly criticized Europe’s centrist parties and encouraged German leaders to collaborate with AfD rather than isolating it.
However, it won’t be wrong to say that AfD’s rise marks a turning point in German politics. Whether it joins a coalition or assumes a dominant opposition role, it will play an important role in Germen politics. The party’s influence, combined with the presence of other China-friendly parties like Die Linke and BSW, certainly presents an opportunity for Beijing to shape Germany’s foreign policy in its favour which is a matter of serious concern for the global community.
China’s strategic investments in fostering ties with Germany’s rising political forces seem to be paying off. As AfD pushes for a multipolar world order, Beijing will likely continue supporting its influence, ensuring that China’s interests remain firmly embedded in Germany’s evolving political landscape.China’s moves in Germany are a cause of serious concern. The strategic engagement with small, pro-China parties could serve as a template for China to replicate in other countries, helping to increase its influence globally. This shift in political dynamics raises the need for the international community to remain vigilant, as similar tactics could be employed elsewhere, potentially reshaping foreign policies and global alliances on a broader scale.
>> Source: European Times
