Germany’s Merz leaves China with stronger ties as Trump trade battle looms

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz concluded his first visit to China, seeking to strengthen economic ties amid potential trade challenges from a possible Trump administration. Merz emphasized "good cooperation" and noted China's agreement to purchase up to 120 Airbus aircraft. During meetings with Chinese leaders, Merz addressed Germany's concerns about its trade deficit with China and the issue of Chinese overcapacity impacting European markets. The two-day visit, which included a delegation of German business leaders, aimed to foster bilateral cooperation and unlock economic opportunities between the world's second and third largest economies. Despite highlighting existing challenges, Merz characterized the trip as "worthwhile."

Premier Li Qiang of China has advocated for increased technological cooperation with Germany, potentially easing tensions with the EU amid trade disputes and the war in Ukraine. Speaking during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to China, Li proposed joint technology development, shared research platforms, and exploration of third-country markets. Merz's visit, along with other recent visits from European leaders, signals a potential shift towards a more pragmatic approach by European nations as US-China competition intensifies. China's call for deeper technological ties aims to foster innovation and cooperation between Chinese and German entities, while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics. The proposal aligns with China's latest five-year plan and seeks to strengthen bilateral relations.

In 2026, Beijing is hosting a series of meetings between Chinese President Xi Jinping and various world leaders. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with Xi on February 25th, marking the seventh such meeting this year. Former US President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit China on March 31st for a potential meeting, the first of up to four planned for the year. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also accepted an invitation to meet with Xi before the end of June. This influx of leaders traveling to China suggests a significant diplomatic effort by Beijing to engage with global powers.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Beijing to address growing economic concerns between Germany and China. During his trip, Merz met with President Xi Jinping and expressed worries about China's increasing industrial overcapacity. He highlighted the significant rise in Germany's trade deficit with China, which has quadrupled since 2020. Merz also pointed out potential risks stemming from the close economic ties between the two nations, citing disruptions experienced by German manufacturers due to China's export controls on computer chips last year. The visit aimed to address these imbalances and challenges in the economic relationship.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is visiting Hangzhou, China, a major tech hub, on the second day of his first official trip to the country on February 26, 2026. Accompanied by a delegation of German business leaders, including executives from Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes, Merz aims to explore business opportunities and deepen economic ties. He toured companies like Siemens Energy and Unitree, a humanoid robot manufacturer. The visit follows meetings in Beijing with Premier Li Qiang and President Xi Jinping, where Merz addressed trade imbalances and sought fairer cooperation amid US tariffs. Hangzhou is home to tech giants like DeepSeek and Alibaba, making it a key location for German businesses seeking contracts.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently visited Beijing to balance his country's economic ties with China while addressing growing concerns about trade and protectionism. During his first official visit, Merz met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, President Xi Jinping, and a business round table, yielding a rare joint statement and minor deals. He also promised a large-scale purchase of Airbus planes from China, with more contracts to follow. Merz emphasized Germany's openness to Chinese investment and hi-tech cooperation, while making it clear that trade barriers would be his last resort. The visit aimed to reassure Beijing about German support for the bilateral relationship, while addressing concerns over subsidies, currency devaluation, and Russia.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to visit Beijing for his first trip as leader, amidst concerns over China's impact on Germany's machinery industry. The Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA) represents over 3,000 "hidden champions" - manufacturers that power household brands and are a key part of Europe's economy. According to Oliver Richtberg, head of the VDMA's foreign trade department, Chinese competition is forcing German machinery jobs below the symbolic 1 million mark this year. China has been identified as a major challenge for Germany's industry, with cutthroat competition exposing weaknesses in the sector. The visit aims to address these concerns and promote cooperation between the two nations. Merz's trip comes at a time when Germany's industry is under pressure to adapt to changing market conditions.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is visiting Beijing amid growing concerns about Germany's economic dependence on China. Despite previously warning about China's potential for blackmail and advocating for stronger ties with the U.S., Merz now faces the reality of China being Germany's largest trading partner, with trade totaling around €252 billion in 2023. Germany's export-driven economy, reliant on machinery, chemicals, and cars, is hesitant to jeopardize this relationship. Furthermore, pressure from the U.S., including tariffs and demands for higher NATO spending, adds to Germany's economic challenges. While the U.S. exerts pressure through alliance-based coercion, China presents a challenge through competitive displacement within global value chains.