By Micah Jonah, February 25, 2026
German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz has begun his first official visit to China, with trade and economic cooperation topping the agenda.
Speaking at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday, Merz said Germany aims to deepen its longstanding economic ties with China while ensuring fair competition and open communication. He acknowledged concerns within Germany’s manufacturing sector over increasing competition from Chinese products.
Merz met with Chinese Premier, Li Qiang shortly after arriving in the capital. Li called for stronger cooperation between the two countries to safeguard multilateralism and free trade, amid ongoing global trade tensions.
“China and Germany, as two of the world’s largest economies, should strengthen confidence in cooperation, jointly safeguard multilateralism,” Li said during the meeting.
Representatives from both countries signed several agreements and memorandums covering areas including climate change and food security. Merz said Germany and China share global responsibilities and must work together to address international challenges.
The German leader is accompanied by a large delegation of business executives. Analysts say a key objective of the visit is to seek what Berlin describes as a “more equal playing field” in trade, amid concerns within the European Union about subsidized Chinese goods undercutting domestic industries.
Official data show Germany’s imports from China rose significantly last year, while exports to China declined, widening trade imbalance.
During the visit, Merz is also expected to meet Chinese President, Xi Jinping, visit major German firms operating in China, including Siemens and Mercedes-Benz.
Geopolitical issues, including China’s position on Russia’s war in Ukraine, are also expected to be discussed as part of the two-day trip.
