Merz Presses China for Fair Trade and Ukraine Role During Beijing Visit
Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged fairer trade as Germany’s imports from China hit €170.6 billion, while seeking Beijing’s help to end Russia’s four-year war in Ukraine during a two-day visit.
Al JazeeraGermany’s Merz arrives in China for two-day visit with focus on trade
ABC NewsGerman leader arrives in China to press for fair trade and help ending Ukraine war
Associated PressGerman leader presses China for fair trade and help ending Ukraine war
BBC NewsGerman chancellor lands in Beijing for inaugural China trip
SemaforGerman Chancellor Merz visits Beijing for talks on trade relations
Overview
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Beijing for a two-day visit and met Premier Li Qiang to press for fairer trade rules and Beijings assistance in ending the war in Ukraine.
Merz said he framed Germanys China policy in a European context, noting his visit followed Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer and preceded a planned U.S. presidential trip in early April.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang called on both sides to safeguard multilateralism and free trade, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said she hoped parties would seize the chance for a binding peace agreement, and German business groups urged Merz to tackle competition distortions.
J fcrgen Matthes at the German Economic Institute warned the imbalance was eroding Germanys car, machinery and chemicals sectors as imports rose 8.8% to 3170.6 billion and exports fell 9.7% to 381.3 billion.
Representatives signed agreements on climate change and food security, Merz will visit German firms and announced further ministerial visits, and he said he seeks remedies for systemic overcapacity and market access restrictions.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame Merz’s visit as pragmatic engagement amid economic and geopolitical tension, using measured yet suggestive language (e.g., "buffeted," "parade of world leaders"), prioritizing official voices (Merz, Chinese foreign ministry) and highlighting trade imbalances and China’s role on Ukraine. Editorial emphasis stresses economic competition and the need for Beijing’s diplomatic influence.
FAQ
Germany's trade deficit with China reached a record €89 billion ($105 billion) in the previous year, with imports at €170.6 billion (up 8.8%) and exports at €81.3 billion (down 9.7%).
Merz is pressing for fairer trade rules, addressing overcapacity, competition distortions, market access restrictions, and export controls on critical raw materials, while also seeking China's help to end the war in Ukraine.
Merz met Chinese Premier Li Qiang and leader Xi Jinping during his two-day visit from February 24-27, 2026.
Representatives signed agreements on climate change and food security.
China overtook the US as Germany's largest trade partner, but the relationship shifted from complementary to competitive due to China's overcapacity, subsidies, declining demand for German exports, and a record trade surplus for China.
