China02 March, 20261 min read
Merz's China Visit Opens Trade Reset Despite Ukraine Rift
Merz arrives in Beijing with a large business delegation to reset Germany-China trade ties. Merz and Chinese leaders commit to deepen Germany-China economic partnership.
Historic Beijing Meetings
Merz began his first official visit to China since taking office, meeting with Xi and Li. The two economic powerhouses pledged to deepen ties amid global turbulence.
Merz acknowledged differences, notably on Ukraine, but emphasized commonalities. Nearly 30 German companies accompanied Merz.
Trade and Investment Tensions
Merz urged Chinese firms to step up investment in Germany while calling on Beijing to reduce market distortions. He raised longstanding German concerns about undervalued currency and subsidies.
The visit was complicated by worries about trade and supplies of key minerals. Merz visited a humanoid robot manufacturer in Hangzhou to underscore technology cooperation.
Ukraine and Global Order
Ukraine inevitably loomed over the talks. Merz asked Beijing to use its influence to end the war.
Xi emphasized that China supports a political solution. Merz had told the Munich Security Conference that world order no longer exists.
Balancing Act Against US
Merz's visit unfolded in the shadow of US pressure. KWKT noted both have been buffeted by Trump's policies.
People’s Daily framed the relationship as a success story of mutual benefit. The visit sought a pragmatic middle path between cooperation and competition.
