The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to developing closer strategic relations, with Merz saying he saw the trip as a "great opportunity" to boost economic ties. Xi, in turn, told Merz he was willing to take their ties to "new levels", stressing that he "always attached great importance to Sino-German relations". Large business delegationExport-dependent Germany needs "economic relations all over the world", Merz said before leaving for Beijing with a large business delegation in tow. Germany's trade deficit with China hit a record 89 billion euros ($105 billion) last year. German and European companies in China are not only "competing with highly innovative Chinese firms" but are also players in a "state-driven systemic competition".

Source: The Local February 25, 2026 20:26 UTC