Germany’s Merz eyes business opportunities at Chinese tech hub in Hangzhou
Al Jazeera
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Hangzhou, China's tech hub, as part of his first official trip to the country. Flanked by a delegation of German business leaders, Merz aimed to strengthen economic ties with China and secure new contracts in sectors like technology and manufacturing. The visit comes amid efforts to address challenges in Germany-China relations, particularly the significant trade deficit that has seen Germany importing far more than it exports from China.
Hangzhou, home to tech giants Alibaba and DeepSeek, is a key center for innovation and commerce. During his stay, Merz toured leading companies, including Siemens Energy and Unitree, which produces humanoid robots. The delegation also included executives from major German car manufacturers like Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. These visits highlighted the potential for collaboration in cutting-edge industries, such as artificial intelligence, self-driving technology, and robotics.
Merz's trip to China follows Germany's growing recognition of China as its largest trading partner. While seeking to deepen economic cooperation, Merz also emphasized the need for fairer trade practices and addressed concerns about market access and competition from Chinese firms. The visit coincided with discussions on broader geopolitical issues, including efforts to resolve the war in Ukraine and the peaceful resolution of tensions over Taiwan.
The chancellor's meetings with Chinese leaders yielded significant outcomes, including a joint statement supporting efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine through dialogue. Additionally, China agreed to purchase up to 120 Airbus aircraft, signaling potential growth in trade relations between the two countries. Merz's visit is part of a broader trend of Western leaders engaging with China to navigate the complex global economic and political landscape shaped by U.S. tariffs and shifting international dynamics.
Overall, Merz's trip underscores the strategic importance of Germany-China relations in the global economy. As both nations seek to balance economic collaboration with addressing trade imbalances and geopolitical challenges, this visit sets the stage for further dialogue and potential agreements that could shape the future of their
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/26/2026