By Sun Chenghao, Assistant Research Fellow, Institute of American Studies at China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations   

At noon April 24 (Berlin-time), United States President Barack Obama arrived in Hannover, Germany, which was his last stop on his European tour, and could be last visit to Germany before he departs from the White House.

Obama was invited to attend the opening ceremony of the Hannover Industrial Fair, the world's largest industrial technology fair. He was the first US president to attend it.  

Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel held bilateral talks, and had reached a consensus to accelerate transatlantic trade and investment partnership (TTIP) negotiations. 

They hoped to revive the US and European economies, as well as discussed bilateral cooperation on security issues in Syria, Libya and Ukraine.  

Obama had shared a dinner with CEOs from corporations including US Microsoft, Dow Chemical, Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, Germany's BASF, Bayer, Siemens, and Volkswagen.    

Obama intended to enhance bilateral relations that had fallen on tough times after a "cyber espionage" incident was exposed. Nevertheless, the outbreak of crises in Syria and Ukraine has helped bilateral relations to rebound. 

Within the EU, Germany's economic strength and political status have risen, while the United Kingdom is considering leaving the European Union (EU) after a referendum vote to be held in June. Washington expects Berlin to play a more active role to support the US. 

Washington is counting on Berlin to persuade hesitant allies to increase anti-terrorism efforts, particularly in the fight against "Islamic State," while implementing tougher measures against suspected extremists. Nonetheless, it is difficult for relations to move smoothly on account of Obama’s one-time visit to the country. 

US-Germany bilateral relations face serious challenges. Obama and Merkel have endorsed the TTIP, but other obstacles remain. Leading US Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump do not support TTIP. During Obama's visit, many Germans protested against the trade deal.   

From a long-term perspective, both countries have shared different views on international affairs, but they have strategic objectives that make them seem to be harmonious partners. 

In Europe, Berlin is no longer content to play a "junior partner" role for Washington, and will seek more benefits for its nation and the EU. Washington should become more aware of Berlin's growing diplomatic independence and initiatives; and to accept a fading away relationship,  which seems to be harmonious.