Merz in China: German chancellor, Xi seek more cooperation

"Friedrich Merz said he saw a "great opportunity" for the industrial exporters, while Xi Jinping called for "enhanced strategic cooperation." China has been courting Western leaders amid Trump's trade tensions. It's Merz's first trip to China since he became chancellor, his predecessor Olaf Scholz visited in 2024."

"After several years, primarily during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, when China's government made and requested very few foreign visits, Beijing has opened its doors to a series of European, NATO or western-allied leaders in recent months. Delegations from France, South Korea, Ireland, Finland, Canada and the UK have all visited Beijing over the winter."

"Trump's unpredictable tariff-based policies brought back into sharp focus in recent days by the Supreme Court ruling saying he overstepped his authority making them, prompting Trump to try to impose new global levies by a different mechanism have also been a subject of interest for Beijing."

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made his first official visit to China since taking office, accompanied by a large delegation of German industry leaders. The visit reflects China's broader strategy of engaging Western and NATO-allied leaders during a period of trade uncertainty under Trump's administration. Merz identified significant opportunities for German industrial exporters, while Xi Jinping emphasized enhanced strategic cooperation between the nations. Multiple European and Western-allied delegations have visited Beijing in recent months, including representatives from France, South Korea, Ireland, Finland, Canada, and the UK. China's relationship with Russia and the ongoing Ukraine conflict remain important discussion points. Trump's unpredictable tariff policies and recent Supreme Court rulings regarding his trade authority have intensified Beijing's diplomatic outreach to Western allies.

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