If this article is to be believed, Germany sees itself as aligned with the Chinese against a common economic foe, the United States:
https://www.dw.com/en/trade-worries-put-extra-burden-on-germany-china-talks/a-44586972
“Donald Trump’s trade war threats likely dominated Angela Merkel’s meeting with the Chinese premier. But could rallying around a common economic foe push concerns over human rights and business practices to the side?”
Your quote says “likely” and then asks a question.
Do you have something more concrete since 2018 to get excited about?