Germany and the People’s Republic of China are connected by many years of partnership in research and education. But at the same time, China is becoming more of a competitor and a systemic rival. The political leadership of the People’s Republic of China has been investing strongly in research and innovation for many years and is now pushing as much as it can to close any technology gaps. Its declared aim is to position China as one of the world’s leading nations in science and innovation and as a military superpower. This is also of great relevance for the German science landscape. The environment for cooperation is becoming increasingly challenging on the Chinese side. It is now taking place within a complex framework of conditions, which affect all levels of cooperation with China.
Against this backdrop, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research is critically reviewing where cooperation with China is still possible and useful. There are clear guidelines on this. Funding or support is only available for projects that have clear added value for Germany and Europe. When it comes to tackling global challenges such as climate change, we urge China to play an active role as our partner. At the same time, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research lays down clear boundaries in sensitive areas. This applies, for example, to collaborations with particular dual-use risks (civil and military use) or to cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence which can be misused for surveillance purposes and human rights violations.
At the same time, the freedom of science and teaching is enshrined in Germany's constitution, the Basic Law. This implies a high level of individual responsibility on the part of science organisations and researchers. The guidelines and due diligence processes developed by the science organisations and implemented in their collaborations with China are important steps in this direction. These processes must be continuously developed and adjusted to the growing challenges. This is an ongoing task for politics and science alike, and also a responsibility for each and every researcher.
Basis of cooperation
The intergovernmental agreement on scientific and technological cooperation signed in 1978 laid the foundations for research cooperation between the two countries. Since then, regular meetings have taken place with the participation of representatives of the Chinese and German research ministries, research institutions, funding agencies and intermediaries as well as unaffiliated researchers. These meetings focus on possible topics for cooperation, but above all on the conditions and increasingly also the challenges related to it.
Education cooperation between the two countries is discussed mostly during intergovernmental consultations. Discussion points include challenges in cooperation between higher education institutions, in the exchange of students and academics and in vocational education cooperation.
Germany and China have been holding intergovernmental consultations since 2011. During the 7th German-Chinese Intergovernmental Consultations in June 2023, the BMBF underlined the increasingly difficult conditions for scientific collaborations, the peaceful and equally unrestricted use of research data, and the freedom of research and teaching as a fundamental condition for successful cooperation in all international collaborations. The BMBF signalled a readiness for dialogue while stressing that there is currently only limited scope for new collaborations given that the conditions for scientific collaborations are becoming more difficult.
The German government's Strategy on China published in July 2023 sets the framework within which the individual federal ministries will give coherence to their policies on China. The strategy provides guidance for science and research as well as an overarching orientation in dealing with China. BMBF will also focus on building and expanding independent China expertise in Germany.
Initiatives to build independent China expertise in Germany
An expansion of expertise about China in Germany is necessary in order to be able to engage with China as a partner and competitor on an equal footing. This is why the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has been increasing its efforts together with the Federal Foreign Office and the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany (KMK) since 2018 to quantitatively and qualitatively develop and expand expertise about China throughout the whole education and research system within the respective areas covered by each of these bodies.The arguments presented at the time are still valid today and to the same extent. We can only navigate the contradictions between cooperating with the People’s Republic of China on global challenges and our fundamentally different political systems and values by addressing these issues in intensive dialogue on both sides. At the heart of the initiatives is the aim of expanding independent expertise on China in Germany, a process which should involve Chinese partners (e.g. cooperating schools and universities) whilst making sure that the teaching of such expertise meets the standards of our education and science system, especially with regard to freedom of teaching and research.
The scope of previous and ongoing BMBF initiatives on developing and expanding expertise about China is therefore very diverse, but can be split into three broad fields of action:
1. Creating a well-founded and up-to-date knowledge base regarding
a) the current state of knowledge and expertise about China within Germany
b) China’s science, research and innovation landscape and its development
2. Establishing and shaping long-term collaborations and networking between scientists and researchers in both countries
3. Support measures for the targeted acquisition of China-related knowledge and Chinese language skills for key stakeholders at schools, universities and in science in Germany.
Creating a well-founded and up-to-date knowledge base regarding the current state of knowledge and expertise about China within Germany and China’s science, research and innovation landscape
A well-founded and up-to-date knowledge base is a key prerequisite for making informed decisions and enabling a balanced partnership with China. In this context, the BMBF supports activities that serve to assess current levels of knowledge and expertise about China within Germany as well as ones which aim to expand knowledge about China’s science, research and innovation landscape as well as overall political and social developments in China.
-
Mapping China-related expertise in Germany
:
China kennen, China können: An analysis of the current level of expertise about China within Germany
China kennen, China können: An analysis of the current level of expertise about China within Germany
“China kennen, China können”, a 2018 analysis of expertise about China funded by the BMBF and conducted by the Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS), provides an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding China within secondary schools, vocational schools and institutions of higher education in Germany and makes a number of recommendations for action. The MERICS report highlights the progress made during the analysis period with regard to promoting and fostering expertise about China. At the same time, the report also identifies the continued need to catch up in several areas.
The publication was used as a basis for discussion at the “Expertise about China in Germany” conference that was held in May 2018. Around 200 experts from schools, higher education, vocational education and training, continuing education, research, industry and politics met to discuss how to cultivate more widespread expertise about China. The results of this event have been used by the BMBF, the KMK and the Federal Foreign Office to devise and implement further measures. MERICS: China kennen, China können. (In German)
-
Analysis of current developments in China
:
1. Monitoring research trends in China (APRA-PM)2. Call for proposals on modern China studies3. Project “Worldmaking”: A Dialogue with China
1. Monitoring research trends in China (APRA-PM)
In 2018, the BMBF launched a performance monitoring programme focussing on the Asia-Pacific research area (APRA-PM) with the aim of establishing an evidence base to be used in the strategic development of cooperation with China. In this context, an evidence-based, target group specific monitoring report is prepared and published on a regular basis. This document highlights current developments and trends in the research policies of twelve countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The programme places special emphasis on China – the first report includes a chapter on the restructuring of China’s science, technology and innovation system, the second report includes a chapter on European research cooperation with China and the third report includes a chapter on scientific and technological activities in China from a regional perspective.
• First APRA monitoring report (published on 14 May 2019; in German)
• Second APRA monitoring report (published on 24 July 2020; in German)
• Third APRA monitoring report (published on 11 May 2021; in German)
2. Funding Measure "Modern China Research”
The BMBF's call for proposals for "Research on Current Societal, Economic and Innovation Policy Developments in the People's Republic of China" attracted a great deal of interest from Germany’s research community. 13 projects – addressing the areas of innovation policy, corporate policy, education/universities, infrastructure, freedom of science, digital transformation (in schools, agriculture, drug supply) and chemical recycling – started in summer/fall 2021 and will each be funded for a period of approximately three years.
The aim of the research projects is to expand the understanding of the diverse and complex interrelationships and impact chains in China and their significance for Germany and Europe. In this way, an important contribution is made to an evidence-based and up-to-date knowledge base on the Chinese science, research and innovation landscape. Such a knowledge base is the foundation for shaping cooperation with China on an equal footing and for mutual added value.
Further information: Website of the “International Bureau” with an overview of the projects on Modern China Research
3. Project “Worldmaking”: A Dialogue with China
The consortium project of the FU Berlin, Göttingen University and Heidelberg University deals with developments within conceptions of world order in China, in Western countries and in other regions of the world between the late 19th century and the present day. Among other questions, the researchers aim to work together with Chinese scientists to explore the extent to which interconnected patterns and rhythms of changes in prevailing thinking about world order can be identified in parts of China and Europe. In addition to economic and political constellations of power at a global level, studies will also look at the role played by cultural hegemonies and social movements in concepts of world order. The project will not only take a comparative approach, but will also investigate the thinking of transnationally linked groups in particular. Within the scope of this project, fellowships and tandem fellowships for both German and Chinese researchers from a wide range of disciplines as well as research stays in China are to be awarded in order to strengthen German-Chinese cooperation in the field of humanities and social sciences.
Further information: „Worldmaking“ Project-Website
-
The „China Orientation“ aims at enabling more conscious and better-informed choices for cooperation with China. Apart from updating the knowledge base about China the measures also serve to connect relevant stakeholders from science and higher education, among other sectors, and to enable a better exchange of experience and information between them, create synergies, raise awareness about the related challenges and issues and share best practices.
Further information: China Orientation
Establishing long-term structures for cooperation and networking between scientists and researchers in both countries
Research collaborations between German and Chinese universities play a key role in increasing knowledge and expertise about China among German students and researchers. The BMBF is funding the establishment of new research structures in China and new networks between key players in the research community in order to generate additional expertise about China and to pool this knowledge for the long term. Alumni networks connect German (and, where possible, European) experts on matters relating to China and establish links with Chinese scientists and researchers. Funding the establishment of joint research sites in the Asia-Pacific research area also increases the visibility of German research in China, thereby making an important contribution to the ongoing expansion of cooperative relations with China.
-
German-Chinese Alumni Networks
:
Establishing German-Chinese Alumni Networks (DCHAN)
Establishing German-Chinese Alumni Networks (DCHAN)
The German-Chinese Alumni Networks (DCHAN) were established under a BMBF funding measure aimed at fostering subject-specific networks between German and Chinese alumni. DCHAN comprises seven alumni networks that all aim to establish contact between alumni from all over Germany and China to support joint research projects related to China. The networks cover the following fields: mechanical engineering, logistics, urbanization and urban development, neuroscience, psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy, entrepreneurship, and humanities and social sciences.
German-Chinese Alumni Network website (in German/Chinese)
-
Increasing visibility of German research in China
:
BMBF funding of German research activities in the Asia-Pacific region
Today, the Asia-Pacific research area (APRA) is the third biggest research and education area in the world after Europe and North America. The region’s growing significance means that it is important for the German research community to increase its activities in these partner countries. The BMBF funding measure “Conceptual and preparatory measures to establish joint research centres with partners in the Asia-Pacific research area” aims to support the development of long-term joint research activities together with cutting-edge research institutions in twelve target countries. Four projects are being funded in cooperation with China. These will explore the topics of health, water research and sustainable urban development.
Establishing joint research sites will improve the visibility and longevity of German scientific excellence in the partner country and will also help to strengthen innovation systems in Germany and the partner country, which will benefit both countries.
Website of the BMBF funding programme to establish joint research centres with partners in the APRA.
-
Sino-German University (CDH)
:
Sino-German University (CDH) at Tongji University in Shanghai
The biggest German university project in China is the Sino-German University (CDH) at Tongji University in Shanghai, which is financed by the BMBF and the Federal Foreign Office via the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The Sino-German College for Applied Sciences (CDHAW) and the Sino-German School for Postgraduate Studies (CDHK) form part of the CDH.
The BMBF funds the following institutions:
The Sino-German College for Applied Sciences at Tongji University in Shanghai was founded in 2004 in a joint initiative between the BMBF and the Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE). On the German side, it is governed by a consortium of German universities of applied science and offers four-year bachelor's degree programmes in mechatronics, automotive engineering, building services engineering and industrial engineering.
The Sino-German Campus (CDC) serves as a hub for all the German language activities on the university campus with the aim of boosting the visibility of these activities and exploiting the full potential of the special, long-standing partnership between Germany and China. The Campus’ primary activities include holding events (lectures, round table discussions, German Week etc.), maintaining an online presence and publishing an annual report covering all participating projects with a connection to Germany.
Sino-German University website (in German/Chinese)
Support measures for the targeted acquisition of China-related knowledge and Chinese language skills for key stakeholders at schools, universities and in science and vocational education and training
China’s role as a partner and competitor for Germany is becoming increasingly significant. In light of this, there is a continuously growing need for people with expert knowledge regarding China. Mutual understanding and cultural sensitivity are essential for ensuring successful cooperation with international partners. In addition to language skills, intercultural competence is also a key part of expertise about China. Furthermore, expert knowledge also includes understanding underlying legal conditions and political, economic, cultural and historical relationships. The BMBF is working to promote the development of China-related expertise among school pupils, students, apprentices and vocational training personnel, as well as scientists and academics.
-
China expertise for stakeholders in German schools
:
1. BMBF project “China School Academy”2. Bildungsnetzwerk China – promoting China-related exchange and skills in school education
1. “Chinese as a foreign language” working group of the BMBF, the KMK and the Federal Foreign Office
The working group was established in the summer of 2022 by the BMBF, the Standing Conference of the Länder Ministers of Education (KMK) and the Federal Foreign Office. Its aim is to intensify the exchange of information across the boundaries of government departments, Länder and federal responsibilities, and in coordination with experts and stakeholders about how the conditions for the teaching and learning of Chinese as a foreign language can be improved in the long term. The working group is intended to be a platform that supports the development and coordination of measures to support the teaching and learning of the Chinese language in education institutions in Germany. Since September 2022 German-speaking experts and representatives from the relevant federal and Länder ministries have been coming together in three different expert groups to discuss unresolved questions and possible solutions. The focus is on the following topics: (I) Research on Chinese as a foreign language, (II) initial and further training of Chinese language teachers of Chinese at universities, schools and teaching seminars, and (III) teaching practice for Chinese as a foreign language in schools. The results produced by the working group will become the basis for the development of funding measures and for the implementation of projects. The Bildungsnetzwerk China (German Network for Education about China) provides an important contribution to implementing the results of the working group.
2. BMBF project “China School Academy”
Currently, China is only dealt with sporadically as a topic for school lessons in Germany. The “China School Academy” project run by Heidelberg University aims to develop high quality teaching materials about China and to train teaching staff to use these materials. This project will help teachers to integrate the topic of China in various school subjects such as history, geography and politics. As part of the China School Academy project, teaching modules are being developed for use in upper and lower secondary education. When using the teaching modules, teachers receive support in various forms such as teacher training, mentorships and guided school experiments. The School Academy also aims to set up “ChinaPerspectives”, an online platform that provides access to teaching materials and offers interactive learning opportunities.
China School Academy project website (in German)
3. Bildungsnetzwerk China – promoting China-related exchange and skills in school education
A Stiftung Mercator and Goethe Institute initiative, the education network Bildungsnetzwerk China is run in close cooperation with the KMK and the Pädagogischer Austauschdienst (PAD), a department of the KMK Secretariat. Founded in 2020, the Bildungsnetzwerk China pursues a number of goals: to increase the number of children learning Chinese at school, to devote more attention to China in school subjects other than language learning and to support direct exchanges in order to give German and Chinese pupils the chance to experience first-hand how their contemporaries live. To this end, the education network supports schools as they strive to become key education and meeting centres for developing skills for dealing with China.
The network’s goals are expressly welcomed and supported by the BMBF, which is represented on the network’s advisory board.
Bildungsnetzwerk China website
-
China expertise for students
:
1. China expertise for scholarship holders from Germany’s organizations for the promotion of young talent2. China-Kolleg programme – German Academic Scholarship
1. China expertise for scholarship holders from Germany’s organizations for the promotion of young talent
In the CHIN-KoBe project, the BMBF promotes improving expertise about China among students who have won scholarships from Germany’s thirteen organizations for the promotion of young talent (Begabtenförderungswerke). The programme is aimed at students enrolled to study STEM subjects and economic sciences as well as students training to be teachers. In a series of seven successive modules, students delve deep into China’s history, culture, economy and society as well as learning the language and acquiring intercultural skills. The students also have the chance to gain valuable experience abroad by studying or doing internships in China. CHIN-KoBe is run by the Hans Böckler Foundation and the Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft.
PCHIN-KoBe project website (in German)
2. China-Kolleg programme – German Academic Scholarship Foundation
With the launch of its China-Kolleg programme, the Studienstiftung (German Academic Scholarship Foundation) aims to help boost expertise on China and its role in the world and develop a more nuanced image of China within Germany by firmly embedding the topic in the Foundation’s education programme for at least three years. Grant winners participate in a programme similar to academies and research groups, giving them the chance to immerse themselves in the subject over a longer period of time, thereby developing a general understanding of Chinese politics and China’s scientific and academic systems, its economy and its society. This format is designed to promote the topic of China among the scholarship holders and to expand their existing knowledge on the country. At the same time, it also aims to show those students for whom China does not currently play a role in their university courses just how important it is to engage with this topic. This project is intended to lay the foundation for longer-term involvement with the topic of China. Not least, it should also encourage the grant recipients to consider the role of China in general as well as the relevance of working together with China in the context of their own fields of study or future work.
-
China expertise for stakeholders in German higher education and research institutions
:
1. BMBF funding measure “Expansion of China expertise at German universities”2. BMBF Funding measure “Regional expansion of China expertise in science (Regio-China)“
1. BMBF funding measure “Expansion of China expertise at German universities”
Following on from the funding call “Expanding China expertise at German universities”, a total of eleven projects, each with a funding duration of three years, have been selected for funding during the period 2017-2022. This funding measure aims to enhance the involvement of German stakeholders in academic and economic relations with China across all subjects. In turn, this will help strengthen and stabilize German-Chinese cooperation in education and research in the long-term, to the benefit of both countries.
The projects cover a wide range of disciplines including engineering and economic sciences, natural and life sciences as well as cultural studies and law. Expertise relating to China are taught to various different groups of people at universities, above all to students, researchers and administrative staff. Expertise-building activities include language and cultural skills classes, workshops and training sessions, student mobility measures, joint study programmes or courses with Chinese partner universities, interdisciplinary study programmes or courses and collaborative PhD projects.
Overview of projects funded under the “Expansion of China expertise” programme
2. BMBF Funding measure “Regional expansion of China expertise in science (Regio-China)“
The aim of the 2021 BMBF funding announcement for the "Promotion of the regional expansion of China competence in science (Regio-China)" is to disseminate and deepen China competence in the German scientific landscape, both at individual institutions and, above all, across institutions in a region. The focus of this measure is on imparting China skills, particularly to management and administrative staff as well as scientists at German universities and research institutions.
A total of 11 projects and one accompanying project were selected and will each receive funding for three years from 2023 to 2026.
Among other things, the accompanying project also provides support for the intended close integration with other BMBF-funded projects and other important players that contribute to the expansion of China expertise in Germany and Europe.
Link to the directive (in German)
Link to the press release (in German)
Link to the project overview (in English)
-
China expertise for apprentices and vocational training personnel
:
The BMBF programme “AusbildungWeltweit” (“VETWorldwide”) funds practice-oriented periods abroad in China and other non-European countries. It offers apprentices and company-based trainers the opportunity to acquire international expertise relating to training and to consolidate cooperation with partner organisations. “VETWorldwide” is therefore also supporting the acquisition of China expertise in the vocational education and training sector.
Periods abroad are subsidised for three months for trainees and for up to two weeks for trainers from companies. Visits for the purpose of planning and preparing a period abroad for apprentices can also be funded by “VETWorldwide”.
