German Chancellor Friedrich Merz kicked off a two-day visit to China this Wednesday, sparking fresh conversations about cross-border collaboration. As bilateral talks began in Beijing, CGTN stringers hit Berlin's streets to capture public sentiment – and the results might surprise you! 🎙️
From 'Made in China' to 'Invented in China'
Financial advisor Falk Müller captured the mood perfectly: "China's evolution from factory floor to innovation powerhouse is rewriting global tech rules." He noted that even Germany's flagship industries could learn from Chinese advancements in AI and green tech. 💡
Berlin to Beijing: Bridging the Perception Gap
Bank clerk Britta Schneider called for more cultural exchanges: "When people connect, business follows naturally." Her comments come as 2026 trade data shows a 14% year-on-year increase in Germany-China tech partnerships. 📈
What's Next?
Joint ventures in quantum computing
Expanded student exchange programs
Co-development of carbon-neutral industrial tech
As Merz meets Chinese leaders today, young entrepreneurs worldwide are watching – could this be the start of a new innovation superhighway? 🌐✨
