Opinion: After Merkel, Germany's China Policy Won't Change Dramatically

Angela Merkel and Acting Minister of Finance Olaf Scholz attend a press conference after a video conference with German State Premiers about the current coronavirus situation, at the Chancellery on Dec. 2 in Berlin. Photo: VCG

The federal election in Germany marks the end of the era of chancellor Angela Merkel who had been in charge for 16 years. She evolved into a remarkable leader and trusted partner of many heads of governments around the world.

Given Merkel’s important role as a leader in world politics, what implications will her retirement have for Germany and international politics? Here are a few assumptions: