Are you curious about the unique views that ordinary Chinese people hold towards Germany, which is located on the other side of the globe? Are they obsessed with the exquisite craftsmanship of German cars, or do they have a special affection for German history and culture? Let’s step into the world of Chinese people’s impressions of Germany and explore the mysteries within.
China and Germany, seemingly distant, are actually intricately connected in history and reality. From the late Qing Dynasty when Germany assisted the Beiyang Fleet in building advanced warships, to the 挺身而出 of John Rabe during the Nanjing Massacre in World War II to protect 250,000 Chinese refugees, these historical events have left a deep mark in the hearts of the Chinese people. Many Chinese people thus have a special fondness for Germany, believing that Germany demonstrated the brilliance of humanity at critical moments.
In modern times, Germany’s industrial manufacturing has even more amazed the Chinese public. When it comes to Germany, 38% of Chinese people first think of the automotive industry. Brands such as Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz are household names in China. 86% of Chinese people are familiar with Volkswagen, and 85% know BMW. German cars, with their excellent performance, exquisite craftsmanship, and reliable quality, once became a symbol of status and quality. However, with the changes of the times, the consumption concepts of the younger generation in China are gradually changing. A young girl frankly stated in a street interview that German cars are more suitable for the aesthetic of her parents’ generation, and this view has also triggered extensive discussions. Nowadays, Chinese domestic car brands have risen rapidly and achieved remarkable progress in the fields of new energy and intelligence, posing a certain challenge to the market share of German cars. So, how can German cars regain the hearts of Chinese young consumers in the new era? This is undoubtedly a question worth pondering.
In addition to cars, Germany’s technological strength is also highly recognized by the Chinese people. 19% of Chinese people believe that Germany has advanced technology. 83% think that German technology products are highly competitive internationally, and 87% favor German high-tech products. German companies such as Siemens have achieved great success in the Chinese market and contributed to China’s modernization drive. In terms of culture, German literature, philosophy, and music have also had a profound impact. Many Chinese people are familiar with the works of German thinkers such as Goethe and Nietzsche, and the classic works of musicians such as Beethoven and Bach are also widely spread in China. The image of Germans as polite and punctual is also deeply rooted in people’s hearts. 81% of Chinese people believe that politeness is of great significance in the lives of Germans.
However, there are not only beautiful aspects between China and Germany. There are some differences in consciousness between the two countries in issues such as human rights. Germany’s stance on the lifting of the arms embargo against China in Europe is also rather ambiguous. In addition, there are significant cultural differences between China and Germany. The rigorous and rigid Germans do not quite match the flexible way of dealing with things of the Chinese people in some aspects. Nevertheless, these have not hindered the extensive cooperation between the two countries in the economic, technological, and other fields. China and Germany are each other’s largest trading partners in Asia and Europe, and practical cooperation far exceeds trade frictions. German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited China many times, went deep into the hinterland of China, and had friendly exchanges with ordinary people, which greatly enhanced the affinity of Germans in China.
Overall, the attitude of the Chinese people towards Germany is complex and diverse. There is both recognition and appreciation for Germany’s historical contributions and modern achievements, as well as reflections due to differences. So, how will China-Germany relations develop in the future? How can Germany further deepen mutual understanding and communication with the Chinese people? These series of questions are all worthy of our continuous attention.
