Merz in China: German chancellor heads to Beijing
Deutsche Welle
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is making his first official visit to China since Olaf Scholz's trip in 2024, marking a significant milestone in German-Chinese relations. The chancellor is accompanied by a delegation of key German industry leaders, reflecting the importance of economic interests on the agenda. This visit aims to address mutual concerns, including China's relationship with Russia and its interactions with Europe. Merz emphasized five guiding principles for Germany-China relations: leveraging European unity, fostering fair competition, avoiding decoupling, promoting international cooperation, and addressing global challenges collectively.
Merz highlighted the need for a balanced partnership with China, stressing that a unified Europe is essential to strengthen negotiations. He also pointed out the growing number of European leaders visiting China, including French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as evidence of a coordinated approach. German businesses have long raised concerns about market access and regulatory transparency in China, which Merz acknowledged by calling for adherence to agreed-upon rules.
The chancellor's decision to visit India before China has not gone unnoticed, potentially signaling strategic considerations in balancing relationships with both nations. Despite ideological differences, Merz argued that decoupling from China would harm global economic stability, particularly as the world faces challenges like climate change and geopolitical shifts. By emphasizing collaboration, Merz seeks to ensure that Germany and Europe can maintain a competitive edge while fostering a stable partnership with China.
This visit is crucial for readers interested in global politics and economics, as it highlights the delicate balance of interests between major powers. The discussions will likely shape future trade policies, technological cooperation, and geopolitical strategies, making Merz's trip a key event to watch in 2026.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/25/2026