German Economy Minister Merz to Visit China for Two-Day Trade Talks

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Visits Beijing, Focusing on Trade Relations and Cooperation

Chancellor Merz arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for his inaugural visit to China, where he met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. The meeting aimed to strengthen economic ties between the two countries while ensuring fair cooperation.

During the talks, Merz expressed Germany’s desire to build on its decades-old relationship with China, while emphasizing the need for open communication and fair trade practices. He acknowledged Germany’s concerns regarding competition from Chinese products in the manufacturing sector.

Li Qiang called on both sides to work together to safeguard multilateralism and free trade, referencing US President Donald Trump’s tariff policy that has impacted global trading systems. The two leaders signed several agreements and memorandums, including those related to climate change and food security.

Merz stated that Germany shares responsibility in the world and should strive for a more just and fair global governance system. He also emphasized the importance of open channels of communication, announcing visits by German ministers in the coming months.

The visit is significant for both Europe’s economic powerhouse and China’s second-largest economy. Merz was accompanied by a delegation of German business executives, who signed deals with Chinese companies. The focus of the visit was to find a more equal playing field for trade, particularly in light of Germany’s concerns about cheaper, subsidized products flooding European markets.

The visit also included meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and visits to German companies with strong presences in China, such as Siemens and Mercedes-Benz. Geopolitics and human rights were also discussed, with Germany expressing concern over Beijing’s support for Russia amid the war on Ukraine.

This is not Merz’s first visit to China; he joins a string of Western leaders who have visited Beijing recently, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Governor Mark Carney.

Source: Al Jazeera