The AfD’s unusual China connection
Alice Weidel, leader of Germany’s AfD, spent six years in the People’s Republic
There are many things that make Alice Weidel an unconventional leader for a German political party on the hard right. Though her marriage to a Sri Lankan-born woman draws most attention, many in government and business circles are equally intrigued by the time she spent in China before entering politics. Ms Weidel lived there for about six years from around 2006, and learned to speak Mandarin before moving home and joining the Alternative for Germany (afd) party in 2013.
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This article appeared in the China section of the print edition under the headline “Alice Weidel, the China years”
From the March 1st 2025 edition
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