Germany's Decline Losing Ground in China Expertise Race

19 Jan, 2024

In a recent publication, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has shed light on the alarming decline in Germany's academic ties with China, raising concerns about the nation's ability to maintain expertise in Chinese affairs.

The DAAD's analysis reveals a stark 83% decrease in German academics visiting China in 2021 compared to 2015. This decline, attributed in part to China's isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflects a worrisome trend in cooperation and mobility.China's substantial investments in science and research, totaling 424 billion euros, position it as a formidable global player, with ambitions to lead by 2050. The DAAD emphasizes the need for Germany to enhance its own China expertise, urging a comprehensive dialogue within the scientific community. DAAD President Joybrato Mukherjee advocates for secure funding to establish and develop essential processes, cautioning against lopsided relations and emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Germany's interests.

To address the challenges, the DAAD provides guiding principles for German universities when engaging with Chinese partners. These principles include interest-oriented collaboration, risk-reflection, and competence-based interactions. Recommendations encompass defining cooperation goals, minimizing risks through transparency, and building China competence. The DAAD underscores the significance of involving Chinese partners while maintaining independence, urging universities to engage in a critical dialogue.

As Germany faces a decline in academic exchanges with China, the DAAD's recommendations serve as a call to action, emphasizing the critical need for Germany to secure its own interests, enhance China expertise, and navigate complex relationships with transparency and diligence. The full text first appeared on January 16, 2024, in Research.Table, a professional briefing platform for quality journalism in Germany.

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