China and Germany are enhancing their business and technology partnerships, with innovations now moving in both directions, as highlighted in a recent joint research report released in Beijing. The findings were presented at the China-Germany (China-Europe) Hidden Champions Forum 2026, held in Beijing’s Shunyi district, which brought together over 400 business executives and representatives from both continents.
The research underscores a shift, with many European companies looking to expand their operations in China. Approximately 38 percent of the surveyed European firms expressed plans to boost research and development investments in China, while about 40 percent aim to grant greater operational independence to their Chinese subsidiaries, distancing them slightly from headquarters in Germany.
Simultaneously, Chinese electric vehicle giants like Li Auto and NIO are setting up research and design centers in Germany, signaling a burgeoning two-way technological exchange. This development highlights the increasing depth of collaboration between the two nations in the tech sector.
Additionally, the forum saw the inauguration of a public service station aimed at assisting businesses in overcoming technical trade barriers. A new partnership initiative was also launched to encourage German and European companies to engage with Beijing’s economic and technological cooperation zone in Shunyi.
Beijing plans to further bolster ties between Chinese and German companies, as stated by Tang Wenhong, who emphasized efforts to attract more innovative firms and enhance the city’s reputation as a global science and technology hub.