The land of the Rhine

　　GERMANY is nearer than you think. Yes, if you want to go there you have to catch a plane. But German products are all around us. The lamps in your home, the cellphone you call your friends on. They may well be made by German companies!

　　The Central European country is a very important friend of China. This is why German Chancellor (总理) Angela Merkel came to China. It's the second time in two years!

　　Angela Merkel's visit is mainly for working together on trade. China sells canned foods, toys, jewellry and watches to Germany. Germany sells cars and technical products to China.

　　China and Germany have been friendly with each other for a long time. For 30 years, Germany has been China's biggest European business partner. And China is the third largest exporter to Germany.

　　Germany and China both care about the environment and global warming. Merkel and top Chinese leaders had talks to see what the countries could do together about the problem.

　　Germany is planning a program, "Germany and China - Moving Ahead Together". The program will show German works of art and culture in some big cities, including Nanjing, Guangzhou and Chengdu. It is said to be the largest and longest program to show German culture in a foreign country.