Gerhard Flatow was China’s most important agent in the young Federal Republic. Its history shows how early the communist regime had an impact on the local economy.
By Bernd Ziesemer
On April 12, 1956, the secretary of the Chinese embassy in East Berlin approached the GDR leadership with an unusual request. His country is very interested in establishing a “friendship society” in the capitalist Federal Republic as quickly as possible. Could the GDR help with that?
The GDR can. Soon the first invitations to visit China went out to West German sympathizers via East Berlin. With the help of the SED comrades, they were identified as possible helpers in setting up a pro-Chinese lobby organization. A year and a half later, the 70 founders of the German China Society (DCG) adopt the program and statutes in Hamburg.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
