German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to Embark on Key Visit to China Amidst Shifting Global Dynamics

Merz's Inaugural Trip to China

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will undertake his first official visit to China from February 24 to 27, 2026, since assuming office last May. The trip is poised to address the intricate balance of cooperation and competition between Europe's largest economy and the Asian giant. Merz is scheduled to meet with Premier Li Qiang and President Xi Jinping in Beijing, with discussions expected to cover bilateral relations, economic issues, security policy, and human rights.

Agenda and Key Meetings

The Chancellor's itinerary includes significant engagements in Beijing and Hangzhou. On Wednesday, Merz will be welcomed with military honors by Premier Li Qiang, followed by talks and a dinner with President Xi Jinping. Beyond official meetings, Merz plans to visit Beijing's Forbidden City and the German car company Mercedes-Benz. His trip will also take him to Hangzhou, where he is slated to visit Chinese robotics firm Unitree and German turbine-maker Siemens Energy. Merz will be accompanied by a delegation of German business leaders, underscoring the economic focus of the visit.

Economic Ties and Strategic De-risking

The visit comes at a critical juncture for German-Chinese economic relations. According to Germany's Federal Statistical Office, China reclaimed its status as Germany's largest single trading partner in 2025, with a total trade volume of EUR 251.8 billion, surpassing the United States. While trade with China saw growth, Germany's trade with the U.S. experienced a decline. Notably, Germany recorded a trade deficit with China in 2024 and, for the first time in 2025, imported more capital goods from China than it exported.

Chancellor Merz has articulated a nuanced approach to China, acknowledging its importance as a trading partner while emphasizing the need for 'no illusions' regarding China's global ambitions and political beliefs. He has advocated for 'strategic de-risking' and reducing one-sided dependencies, reflecting a broader European effort to diversify supply chains. China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, expressed Beijing's hope to elevate ties 'to a new level' and viewed Germany as a 'stabilising anchor for strategic relations.'

Balancing Cooperation and Competition

The overarching theme of the trip, as stated by government spokesperson Sebastian Hille, will be 'competition' and finding 'the right balance of cooperation' with the Asian power. Merz has previously stated that Germany has a 'strategic interest' in finding partners globally to ensure prosperity and social security. Discussions are also expected to touch upon geopolitical issues, including China's relationship with Russia and the war in Ukraine, as well as human rights concerns.