Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil is the first major figure from the current coalition government to visit China after previous plans were cancelled.
The trip comes amid trade tensions with the US and concerns over Germany’s industrial sector.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is continuing his tour of the Balkans, visiting possible future EU members.
He is set to hold talks in Montenegro, Albania and Serbia on Monday.
Follow along for the latest stories from Germany on Monday, November 17: