Merz heads to China to boost dialogue on global challenges

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is heading to Beijing on for his first official visit as chancellor, aiming to strengthen political and economic dialogue with China before tackling pressing international crises.

Speaking at Berlin airport ahead of the trip, Merz said: “China has risen to the ranks of the great powers. Our China policy must take this into account. No one can ignore China anymore. The major global political issues can no longer be addressed without including Beijing.”

During the visit, Merz is scheduled to meet President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang to discuss political and economic cooperation, China’s influence over Moscow amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and joint efforts on climate change. He acknowledged systemic differences but said these should not prevent fair trade, collaboration, or shared responsibility in tackling global challenges.

Merz stressed the importance of reducing one-sided dependencies and managing risks in supply chains, technology, and raw materials, while rejecting any decoupling from China. “Such a policy would only harm us and forfeit the opportunity to work together on pressing issues,” he said.

He highlighted Germany’s approach of addressing political differences, including human rights, through dialogue rather than public criticism, calling for discussions “between equals that identify common ground and constructively resolve systemic differences.”

As part of the visit, Merz will tour a Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle plant, a Siemens Energy facility, and stop in Hangzhou to review China’s innovation in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, exploring opportunities for the German economy and fair competition.

Copied