Though Trump's policies have yet to take shape, Germany's strategy for reacting to them has already been made clear. First and foremost, Berlin will try to forge a closer friendship with the new U.S. government. So far German officials have had only limited contact with Trump's team, and they have gained little insight into its plans. But Germany has long considered a strong alliance with the United States to be a cornerstone of its foreign policy , and it will do everything it can to protect that partnership. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has sent several high-ranking emissaries to Washington. In mid-December, chief foreign policy and security adviser Christoph Heusgen met with some of Trump's advisers, and in mid-January, Deputy Finance Minister Jens Spahn spoke with members of Trump's transition team about Germany's trade surplus. Such meetings will become much more frequent in the months ahead.