Top German minister departs for China seeking dialogue on trade tensions

Dialogue with China is key to find solutions for pressing problems like supply chain uncertainty and Chinese overcapacity, German Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil said on Sunday ahead of his trip to the country.



His visit comes as Germany reassesses its trade policy towards China, accelerating a policy of "de-risking" after Beijing's recent curbs on rare earths and semiconductors rattled German industry.



"Access to critical raw materials and the reduction of Chinese overcapacity in sectors such as steel and electric mobility are of great importance for the economy and jobs in Germany," Klingbeil said in Berlin before departing for Beijing.