In 2021，Germany’s foreign affairs were dominated by several outstanding developments. Subsequent to the previous years’ tensions，German-US relations improved noticeably，yet the structural contradictions in German-Russian relations deepened. Competition and cooperation in Sino-German relations intensified simultaneously，and Germany tried to expand its military presence in the Indo-Pacific. German foreign policy has after the 2021 federal election entered a new stage；it adjusts its strategic positions and approaches in response to the increasingly challenging internal and external environment. There are a number of policy adjustments：Firstly，Germany tries to overcome the crisis-response mode；secondly，it attempts to enhance its value diplomacy；thirdly，it aims at safeguarding its interests more clearly and in a more outspoken manner；and fourthly，it looks for a revision of the style of political compromise. In terms of China policy，the new German government is increasingly aware of geopolitical and systemic competition and in response adopts a “dual strategy”. Accordingly it has begun to strengthen investment and trade defense mechanisms，to highlight democratic values as a basis of its foreign policy，to aim at a unified China strategy for Europe，and to enhance the coordination with the United States regarding China policy. These adjustments of the “post-Merkel era” have injected new uncertainty into international politics and are inevitably linked to the interaction between China，the United States，Europe and Russia. The pro-European stance of the new government is important for European integration，but achieving European internal unity is still easier said than done. Sino-German relations have entered a period of exploration，adaptation and adjustment.