Chancellor Merz to make first official visit to China

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

BERLIN, GERMANY — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is scheduled to embark on his first official visit to China next week, aiming to redefine the economic relationship between Berlin and Beijing through a strategy of "balanced cooperation."

The visit comes at a critical juncture for German automakers, who are facing unprecedented competition from Chinese manufacturers. Merz, who took office in May, announced the trip during a conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) congress in Stuttgart, emphasizing that Germany requires strong economic ties globally, specifically including major partners like China.

High-level meetings and industrial inspections

The Chancellor is expected to be received by Premier Li Qiang in Beijing on Wednesday, followed by a high-stakes meeting with President Xi Jinping. In addition to official diplomatic talks, the itinerary includes a visit to the Forbidden City and a stop at Mercedes-Benz facilities to discuss the challenges facing the German automotive sector in the Chinese market.

Following the Beijing leg, Merz will travel to Hangzhou to visit the Chinese robotics firm Unitree and German turbine manufacturer Siemens Energy. A government spokesperson stated that the two-day visit will focus on finding the "correct balance" between healthy competition and necessary economic cooperation.

Shifting trade dynamics and global order

According to data from the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, China reclaimed its position as Germany's top trading partner last year with a total trade volume of 251.8 billion euros ($297 billion). While Germany seeks to maintain these lucrative ties, the administration is simultaneously working to reduce over-reliance on Chinese trade, particularly in light of geopolitical tensions regarding the conflict in Ukraine.

A new era of international relations

During his speech in Stuttgart, Chancellor Merz observed that the traditional rules-based international system is rapidly evolving into a global order dominated by great powers. He stated that China is deliberately distancing itself from the U.S. and attempting to define a new multilateral order according to its own rules.

"In this understanding, there is no place for freedom of expression, religion, or the press," Merz remarked. "Efforts to promote universal commitment to human rights are rejected as interference in internal affairs."

The Chancellor argued that to navigate this shifting landscape, Europe must significantly strengthen its economic and military capabilities while forging new commercial partnerships worldwide.

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