Friends and companions of former German statesman Helmut Schmidt (1918-2015) discuss his role in connecting China and the West. Schmidt, who served as German chancellor from 1974 to 1982, was a pioneer among Western political leaders in recognizing China’s economic and political rise. As German chancellor he strove for a respectful dialogue and a partnership of equals at a time when the world was still divided into “communist” and “capitalist” camps.