Stand up to China and Putin? Foreign policy at heart of Germany vote

Green and CDU party leaders pick their sides in race to replace Merkel as chancellor

After German federal elections in September, Europe's largest economy is likely to be led either by a human rights champion sending steely messages to Russia and China, or a dovish politician who wants Vladimir Putin to be given more respect.

Surprisingly, the former hails from a Green party founded by peace activists during the cold war arms race, and the latter chairs a conservative party that traditionally sees itself as America's most loyal ally in German politics.