German Chancellor Lands in Beijing for Inaugural China Trip

Published: 25 February 2026 . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has arrived in Beijing to begin his first official visit to China since taking office, underscoring a shift in Berlin’s diplomatic and economic engagement with the Asian powerhouse. The two‑day trip, scheduled from 25 to 26 February, comes at a pivotal moment in global politics as European leaders seek to balance deep commercial ties with China against broader strategic concerns.

Merz landed in the Chinese capital on Wednesday, accompanied by a high‑level delegation that includes senior figures from German industry. He is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, with discussions expected to cover a broad agenda encompassing bilateral trade, economic cooperation, global security and geopolitical issues.

The visit marks a concerted effort by Germany to recalibrate its relationship with China, which remains one of its most significant economic partners. Beijing has recently reclaimed its position as Germany’s largest single trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching substantial levels in 2025. German exporters and manufacturers have faced complex dynamics involving market access, competition from Chinese industries and wider supply chain dependencies. Merz’s itinerary includes meetings with Chinese counterparts on economic matters as well as engagements with business leaders to explore cooperation opportunities in advanced sectors.

Germany’s approach reflects a broader European strategy of pragmatic engagement, seeking to sustain cooperation on areas of mutual interest while addressing trade imbalances and pressing for more transparent and equitable conditions for German firms operating in China. Merz has also emphasised the importance of maintaining strong transatlantic ties and has signalled that economic relations with China should be pursued without compromising strategic autonomy.

Beijing has welcomed the visit, framing it as a continuation of long‑standing partnerships and asserting that cooperation between the two major economies benefits both peoples and contributes to global stability. Chinese officials have highlighted shared interests in multilateralism and pragmatic cooperation amid a shifting global landscape of competing economic models and geopolitical pressures.

The trip also reflects broader diplomatic trends, with several Western leaders engaging directly with Chinese counterparts in recent months to address global challenges, including trade policy, regional security and post‑pandemic economic recovery. Observers note that Merz’s visit could help set the tone for EU‑China relations in the year ahead, influencing policy discussions on trade, technology and global governance.

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