German President Steinmeier Visits Volkswagen Factory During China Trip to Boost Trade Ties

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier stepped onto the assembly line of Volkswagen’s Shanghai plant on Tuesday, greeting workers as he began a three‑day state visit to China.

Steinmeier, accompanied by a delegation of business leaders, toured the factory to observe the production of electric models destined for both Chinese and European markets. He met with Volkswagen China CEO Hiltrud Werner and highlighted the automaker’s role in deepening bilateral economic cooperation.

In a speech to the plant staff, the president said Germany and China share “mutual interests in a fair, transparent and sustainable trade relationship.” He urged both sides to address market access barriers and to respect intellectual‑property rights, echoing broader European Union concerns about uneven competition.

The visit follows a series of high‑level meetings in Beijing, where Steinmeier met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Discussions covered climate cooperation, digital trade standards and the security of supply chains for critical minerals.

German industry groups welcomed the president’s emphasis on equitable trade. The Federation of German Industries (BDI) released a statement saying Steinmeier’s remarks “reinforce the need for a level playing field for German companies operating in China.” Chinese officials responded by affirming their commitment to “open and win‑win” partnerships.

Analysts note that Volkswagen, a major exporter of German engineering, has faced scrutiny over joint‑venture structures and technology transfer requirements. Steinmeier’s presence at the plant signals political support for navigating these challenges while pursuing growth in the world’s largest auto market.

Looking ahead, the president will attend a business forum in Shanghai and visit the Shanghai Expo Center, where German SMEs are slated to showcase renewable‑energy solutions.

Why it matters: Steinmeier’s China trip underscores the importance of stable, fair trade for German manufacturers like Volkswagen, whose investments affect jobs and technology flow between Europe and the Middle East’s key markets.