**Merz, the German Chancellor, Holds Summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping**
Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany recently held a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping to strengthen cooperation amid the turbulent global political climate, aiming to elevate bilateral relations to a new level. Since assuming office in May last year, the conservative Merz has pursued a de-risking strategy towards China. However, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s disruptive tariff policies impacting international trade order, Germany appears to be shifting towards enhanced cooperation with China.
According to Chinese state media CCTV and Reuters, Merz officially visited China for the first time since his inauguration, meeting President Xi at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. During the meeting, Merz stated that both nations hold significant responsibilities as world-leading industrial powers and highlighted the vast opportunities for bilateral relations. He emphasized that developing a reliable and sustainable economic and trade partnership benefits not only both countries but also contributes to global stability and development.
President Xi stressed the importance of strategic communication and mutual trust amid the increasingly complex international landscape. He underscored that both nations should support each other as trusted partners and defenders of free trade. Xi also expressed hope that Germany would implement a proactive and pragmatic China policy to ensure the stable development of bilateral relations.
Prior to the summit, Merz had discussions with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, reiterating Germany’s commitment to maintaining and deepening economic exchanges with China. He emphasized the necessity for China to ensure fair cooperation and open communication.
Before departing from Berlin, Merz commented to reporters that decoupling from China would be misguided and self-damaging, and he expressed hope for a balanced, trustworthy, and fair partnership with China.
German media viewed Merz’s visit as a complex balancing act between deepening economic cooperation with China and reducing dependency on the country. They suggested that stabilizing economic relations between the two nations is a crucial gateway and a test for Germany as it seeks an appropriate balance with China amid competition, security, and cooperation.
Last year, China surpassed the U.S. as Germany’s largest trading partner. However, Germany’s trade deficit with China widened significantly due to a sharp decline in exports to China and a substantial increase in imports. Germany has attributed this to large Chinese government subsidies to businesses and the artificial devaluation of the yuan.
Accompanying Merz’s visit was an economic delegation of around 30 leaders from major German corporations, including Volkswagen, BMW, Siemens, Bayer, Adidas, Mercedes-Benz, DHL, and Commerzbank. German media outlet Spiegel noted the meticulous preparation of this overseas visit.
Merz has reportedly focused on cooperation in science and technology. On February 26, Merz plans to visit Unitree, a humanoid robot company in Hangzhou. Although Germany is traditionally strong in manufacturing, it is considered weak in high-end manufacturing sectors.
Peng Zhongping from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences noted that German companies are taking a more practical approach to the Chinese market, particularly in response to pressures in the new technology sectors. He suggested that Germany might look to accelerate development in AI and technological innovation through collaboration with China.
Chinese state media anticipate that Merz’s visit will mark a new chapter in relations not only between Germany and China but also between China and the European Union. The state-run Global Times described the summit as an important signal in resetting bilateral relations and a significant step in adjusting China-Europe relations amid the shifting international landscape.