Germany’s Merz meets China’s tech vanguard, including Alibaba and Unitree CEOs

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 2 min read 100% complete by Ann CaoFebruary 27, 2026 at 07:23 AM

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz concluded his first official trip to China with a visit to Hangzhou, a major tech hub, on Thursday. He met with leaders from ten companies specializing in AI, robotics, and electric vehicles, including Alibaba CEO Eddie Wu Yongming and Unitree Robotics CEO Wang Xingxing. The visit signals growing international recognition of China's advancements in these technologies. Merz toured Unitree, witnessing demonstrations of humanoid robots, and also tried AI glasses from Rokid. The meetings reflect Germany's interest in collaborating with China's digital and robotics economy. Analysts suggest the trip may also strengthen Merz's position ahead of his upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

United States 30% BrainCo 40% China Central Television (CCTV) 40% Leapmotor 40% Rokid 50% Geely 50% Hangzhou ×260% Eddie Wu Yongming 60% Friedrich Merz ×470% Alibaba Group Holding ×280% Wang Xingxing ×280% Unitree Robotics ×390%

Keywords

friedrich merz 90% german-china relations 80% robotics 70% artificial intelligence 70% technology 70% hangzhou 60% unitree robotics 60% alibaba 60% electric vehicles 60% humanoid robots 60%