Partners! But how? Dealing in a clever way with the future world power China.

Western countries often point fingers at China. We denounce copyright piracy, the way the Chinese government deals with national minorities, or violations of humans rights.

The Chinese, in turn, criticize us for spending much more than we earn. But we have to find a way to get along with China, because China is about to outperform the current leading economic nations, and has already become one of Germany’s most important trading partners.

Dr. Michael Schaefer, one of the most distinguished German diplomats, Chief of Staff of two foreign ministers and now German Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, knows that keeping the balance is not always easy.