Risky Configuration: China’s Footprint in Germany’s Technology Stack
September 16, 2025
By Sharinee Jagtiani
German Marshall Fund of the United States
As Germany confronts a rapidly evolving global landscape marked by shifting alliances and emerging threats, its technology ecosystem has come under scrutiny due to an increasing presence of entities linked to the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The German Marshall Fund of the United States recently released an insightful report titled Risky Configuration: China’s Footprint in Germany’s Technology Stack, which highlights the strategic risks posed by this growing footprint and outlines urgent policy considerations for German officials.
Context: A Changing Global and Security Environment
Germany’s geopolitical environment has become increasingly complex. The enduring threat from Russia dominates Berlin’s immediate security calculus, particularly given Russia’s proximity and its ongoing aggressive actions in Europe. Compounding this challenge is a noted weakening of traditional security guarantees within the transatlantic alliance, historically a cornerstone of Germany’s defense strategy.
Furthermore, the deepening strategic alignment between Moscow and Beijing adds a new dimension to the risks that Germany faces. Rather than viewing Russia’s threat in isolation, Berlin must factor in the broader implications of China’s growing influence and strategic objectives, which increasingly intersect with Russia’s interests.
Strategic Importance of Technology Independence
Both Germany and the broader European Union recognize the critical importance of pursuing technological independence and resilience. As digital technologies become foundational to national security, economic competitiveness, and societal functioning, Germany’s exposure to foreign dominance in critical tech infrastructure presents systemic risks that cannot be ignored.
The current German government has articulated a clear commitment to reducing unilateral dependencies, particularly on China, as part of a broader China strategy. This approach seeks to safeguard Germany’s technological growth and resilience, while mitigating the vulnerabilities associated with foreign influence.
Analyzing China’s Involvement Across the Technology Stack
The report applies a “tech stack” framework, a layered approach that breaks down technology infrastructure into five key components: network infrastructure, data infrastructure, devices, applications, and governance. This comprehensive analysis reveals the extent of the PRC’s involvement at each layer within Germany’s technology ecosystem.
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Network Infrastructure: The report identifies Chinese investments and technology integrations that risk providing Beijing with undue influence over Germany’s digital backbone, potentially enabling surveillance or manipulation.
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Data Infrastructure: Chinese entities have established connections with data centers and cloud services in Germany, raising concerns about data sovereignty and security.
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Devices: The presence of PRC-manufactured hardware used in various sectors signals a critical exposure to potential supply chain risks and espionage.
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Applications: Software and digital services linked to Chinese companies deepen the technology interdependence, complicating efforts to disentangle Germany’s digital economy.
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Governance: The regulatory and standards-setting mechanisms governing technology use are increasingly influenced by Chinese priorities, which may conflict with German and European democratic values and security objectives.
Strategic Implications and Recommendations
The report warns that if left unaddressed, China’s footprint could undermine both Germany’s national security and long-term economic competitiveness. In light of this, the German government must accelerate the implementation of measures designed to:
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Reduce systemic risk exposure: Implement stringent assessments and controls on critical technology sectors susceptible to foreign influence.
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De-risk the technological ecosystem: Diversify supply chains, incentivize domestic innovation, and strengthen cooperation with trusted allies to build secure alternatives.
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Enhance governance and oversight: Reinforce regulatory frameworks to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with German security and democratic principles.
Such efforts are not merely economic imperatives; they are key to Germany’s readiness as the nation recalibrates from a peacetime posture to a security framework prepared for potential conflict.
Conclusion
The German Marshall Fund’s Risky Configuration report casts a spotlight on a crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of contemporary security: the infiltration of foreign state interests into the digital architecture of critical nations. For Germany, maintaining technological sovereignty amidst intensifying geopolitical tensions is not only about safeguarding infrastructure but also about preserving national autonomy and resilience in a turbulent international order.
To stay ahead of emerging strategic challenges, Germany’s new government faces a pressing mandate to execute its China strategy decisively, balance economic growth with security imperatives, and fortify the country’s place within the transatlantic community of democratic nations.
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