Merz the latest European leader to visit China amid tensions with US
South China Morning Post
by Cao Jiaxuan,Agence France-PresseFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to embark on his first official visit to China since taking office, coinciding with heightened tensions between the US and China. The visit, proposed by Chinese officials, is seen as a positive sign of collaboration early in the year. Merz will arrive in Beijing on Wednesday, where he will meet with Premier Li Qiang and President Xi Jinping for discussions on key topics such as trade, security, geopolitics, and human rights. The agenda also includes a potential discussion on the ongoing war in Ukraine, alongside a business delegation that aims to strengthen economic ties.
During his two-day stay, Merz will explore various cultural and industrial sites, including the Forbidden City and visits to Chinese firm Unitree Robotics, Mercedes-Benz, and Siemens Energy. His itinerary reflects a blend of diplomatic and business-focused activities, designed to deepen bilateral relations and address pressing global issues. The visit underscores China's strategic importance to Germany, particularly amid trade disputes with the US.
The timing of Merz's trip highlights Beijing's desire to strengthen ties with European partners like Germany, which shares concerns over rising tensions between Washington and Beijing. By prioritizing dialogue on trade imbalances and geopolitical stability, both nations aim to solidify their partnership and navigate an uncertain global landscape. This visit is expected to set the tone for future cooperation and demonstrate a shared commitment to addressing global challenges.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/20/2026