Far-right AfD wins historic victory in German state election

September 7, 2026 10:03 AM

Far-right AfD wins historic victory in German state election

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) surged into first place in state elections in Saxony-Anhalt on Sunday, exit polls showed, putting a far-right party within reach of power at the state level for the first time since World War Two. While short of an overall majority, the AfD won 44% of the vote and delivered a drubbing to Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservatives, reflecting the deep unpopularity of Germany's ruling coalition in a fracturing political landscape. The AfD is already Germany's m...

Germany will seek strategic partnerships with China amid US tariffs, Merz says

February 19, 2026 3:04 PM

Germany will seek strategic partnerships with China amid US tariffs, Merz says

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Wednesday he would seek "strategic partnerships" with China during a trip next week, as he looks to discuss future cooperation between Europe and the world's second-biggest economy while the United States leans on tariffs. "We have a strategic interest in finding partners in the world who think the way we do, who act the way we do, and who above all are prepared to shape the future together so that we remain a country with prosperity and a high level of ...

China’s foreign ministry rejects German espionage as ‘hype’

April 23, 2024 3:37 PM

China’s foreign ministry rejects German espionage as ‘hype’

China’s foreign ministry on Monday (April 23) called for Germany to stop its 'Cold War' mentality after reports that Germany arrested a EU parliamentary staffer on espionage for China charges.   "The intention of this kind of hype is very obvious, that is, to discredit and suppress China and destroy the atmosphere of cooperation between China and Europe," said foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin, as he acknowledged the reports, during a regular briefing in Beijing.   Wang also call...