German Chancellor Merz Begins First China Visit in Beijing

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Beijing: German chancellor Friedrich Merz has arrived in Beijing, kicking off his first official trip to China since becoming chancellor. The two-day visit will continue through Thursday and includes high-level talks with Chinese leaders on issues ranging from economics to global stability.

The visit places strong emphasis on strengthening economic ties between Europe’s largest economy and China its biggest trading partner. Merz has voiced concerns about trade imbalances, market access and industrial competition, signalling a German push for fairer economic cooperation. His delegation includes representatives from major German firms.

During the trip, Merz is scheduled to hold separate meetings with Xi Jinping and Li Qiang to discuss bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest. These discussions are expected to cover trade, technology cooperation and geopolitical challenges.

Germany’s engagement with China comes amid global economic tensions, shifting supply chains and concerns over fair competition. Berlin is seeking to strike a balance between deepening cooperation and safeguarding German industry from competitive pressure, particularly in sectors like manufacturing and electric vehicles.

Chinese officials have underscored the importance of the Germany-China relationship, describing the two countries as strategic partners committed to win-win cooperation. Beijing has expressed its intent to use the visit to build mutual understanding, deepen practical cooperation, and support stable global development.

Merz’s trip follows similar visits by other world leaders. Germany’s approach reflects a wider European effort to manage relations with China while navigating complex geopolitical landscapes amid global trade tensions.

Photo credit:Xinhua