Before the summer break, Chancellor Olaf Scholz’ coalition had pledged to stop squabbling and do a better job at governing. But old habits die hard.

Long in the making and paused for a while, Berlin’s new approach to its biggest trading partner will be published soon. The actions taken by the Scholz government speak of a new direction already.

Whether it's about the EU's relations with developing countries or Germany's economic model, it's time to try something new.

The stakes for Europe to recalibrate its policy vis-à-vis Beijing are rising. Berlin and Brussels have more leeway than they might realize, but will need to take tough decisions.