German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will visit China next week to discuss trade and strategic ties with President Xi Jinping. The visit matters as Germany seeks to strengthen economic relations amid rising Chinese competition. It directly affects German businesses, Chinese industries, and EU-China diplomatic relations.
Merz’s trip is his first to China since taking office last May. He will be welcomed with military honours by Chinese Premier Li Qiang before meeting Xi for talks and a dinner. His schedule includes visits to the Forbidden City and German companies like Mercedes-Benz, Siemens Energy, and robotics firm Unitree.
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According to his spokesman Sebastian Hille, Merz travels with a delegation of business leaders. The discussions aim to enhance trade and economic cooperation between Germany and China. Beijing hopes to bring ties “to a new level” and sees Germany as a stabilising anchor for strategic relations, said Chinese diplomat Wang Yi.
The visit occurs amid tensions from US President Donald Trump’s unpredictable foreign and trade policies. German firms, especially car makers, face increasing pressure from Chinese competition. The leaders are expected to discuss critical minerals, trade practices, and supply chains. Merz emphasized that Germany seeks global economic relations but remains cautious of China’s political ambitions.
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Human rights, freedom of speech, and religious issues are expected to come up. Germany has also supported Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion, which remains a sensitive topic. China maintains close ties with Russia, and Berlin hopes to use the dialogue to influence Beijing’s position on the war. Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul previously pressed China to leverage its influence to help end the conflict.
The two-day visit underscores Germany’s strategy to balance economic engagement with political and security concerns. Observers note that strengthening ties with China is vital for Germany’s export-dependent economy. The outcome could reshape EU-China relations and set precedents for multilateral trade and diplomatic cooperation in the coming years.