Chinese President Xi Jinping met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Beijing on February 25, 2026. Xi stressed that amid profound global changes, China and Germany should enhance strategic communication and mutual trust to advance their comprehensive strategic partnership. Merz, leading a business delegation, discussed economic ties and the Ukraine crisis with Chinese leaders.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz began his first official visit to China on February 25, 2026, meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. Xi noted that as the world's second- and third-largest economies, China and Germany’s relationship affects not only bilateral interests but also Europe and the world. He proposed three suggestions: being reliable partners supporting each other, innovative partners championing openness and win-win results, and partners bonded through cultural exchanges.
Xi emphasized China's commitment to peaceful development and its capacity for modernization, offering to share opportunities with Germany and others. He urged Germany to view China's growth objectively and pursue a positive policy toward it. Both sides agreed to align development strategies, facilitate flows of talent, knowledge, and technology, and promote dialogue on AI and other frontiers while stabilizing supply chains.
On economic ties, Premier Li Qiang joined Merz at the China-Germany Economic Advisory Committee symposium in Beijing. Li said amid global instability, their partnership would boost world growth. Recent bilateral trade has exceeded $200 billion annually, with two-way investment over $65 billion. In 2025, goods trade reached 251.8 billion euros. Merz affirmed Germany's focus on the Chinese market and support for investments both ways.
Business leaders, including DHL Express Global CEO John Pearson, Henkel Greater China President Anna An, and Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume, highlighted complementary strengths in engineering, markets, and green development. Merz is accompanied by about 30 executives from leading German firms in automotive, chemicals, and more.
The leaders discussed the Ukraine crisis. Xi outlined China's position, stressing dialogue and negotiation as key, with equal participation, addressing concerns, and building common security. Merz raised concerns on subsidies, currency devaluation, and Russia in a diplomatic tone.
During the visit, Merz plans to tour Beijing's Forbidden City and a Mercedes-Benz facility, then visit Unitree Robotics and Siemens Energy in Hangzhou. Analyst Jin Ling said the trip signals pragmatic cooperation amid European debates on China.
