China and Germany are enhancing their collaborative efforts in the business and technology sectors, with a new report highlighting the reciprocal flow of expertise and innovation between the two nations. Released during the China-Germany (China-Europe) Hidden Champions Forum 2026 in Beijing’s Shunyi district, the report underscores a shift from the traditional one-way transfer of knowledge from Germany to China to a more balanced exchange.
The forum, which attracted over 400 executives and business representatives from both Europe and China, revealed that a significant number of European companies are poised to bolster their operations within China. According to the research, 38 percent of surveyed European firms plan to increase their investment in research and development in China, while 40 percent aim to grant their Chinese branches more autonomy from their German headquarters.
Simultaneously, prominent Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, such as Li Auto and NIO, have set up research and design centers in Germany, signaling a robust two-way technological partnership. This development represents a growing trend of Chinese companies contributing to and benefiting from Germany’s advanced technological landscape.
The event also saw the introduction of a public service station dedicated to helping businesses overcome technical trade barriers. Additionally, a new partnership initiative was launched to encourage German and European companies to engage with Beijing’s economic and technological cooperation zone in Shunyi.
In a statement, Tang Wenhong emphasized Beijing’s commitment to fostering further cooperation between Chinese and German businesses. The city aims to attract more innovative enterprises to enhance its status as a global hub for science and technology.