BY EMMANUEL OGBONNA
There are significant divisions between China and Germany — most notably over Russia’s war in Ukraine — yet the leaders of the world’s second- and third-largest economies agreed Wednesday to strengthen dialogue and expand cooperation at a time of mounting global uncertainty.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met separately in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, underscoring Berlin’s determination to maintain engagement with Beijing even as political and economic frictions persist. The meetings took place just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump used a nationally televised address to defend sweeping import tariffs that have unsettled allies and competitors alike.
At the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, a sprawling government compound in Beijing reserved for high-level diplomatic exchanges, Xi emphasized the need for closer strategic coordination. “The more turbulent and complex the world becomes, the more China and Germany should strengthen strategic communication and enhance strategic mutual trust,” he said, noting that the international environment has grown increasingly volatile. He reiterated his longstanding view that the global system is undergoing the most profound transformation since the end of World War II.
Merz responded by acknowledging the differences between Berlin and Beijing but stressed the importance of pragmatic cooperation. “We have issues and challenges to discuss,” he said, “but we should emphasize the things we have in common and face the challenges we stand before together.”
The chancellor’s visit — his first to China since taking office last May — comes as he seeks to position Germany at the forefront of a more assertive and self-reliant Europe. He has championed deeper European integration in economic and defense policy, arguing that the continent must adapt to shifting global power dynamics.
Before departing for Beijing, Merz made clear that despite disagreements with China, global crises cannot be resolved without its involvement. “The big global political problems can no longer be tackled today without involving Beijing,” he said.
A central topic of discussion was Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. After his meetings, Merz told reporters he had urged Chinese leaders to use their influence with Moscow to help bring the war to an end. “We know that signals from Beijing are taken very seriously in Moscow — that goes for words as well as deeds,” he said.
European governments have grown increasingly frustrated that China has not exerted more visible pressure on Russia. Beijing has maintained strong economic and diplomatic ties with Moscow while describing its stance on the conflict as impartial. According to Chinese state media, Xi reiterated that China supports a political resolution to the war but insisted that any settlement must address the “legitimate concerns of all sides” and ensure equal participation from all parties involved.
Beyond Ukraine, trade tensions loomed large over the talks. China has stepped up outreach to major economies in response to U.S. tariffs and Washington’s more confrontational posture toward multilateral institutions and the postwar international order. Germany, heavily dependent on exports, has been directly affected by both American protectionism and intensifying competition from Chinese manufacturers.
Merz has framed Germany’s China policy within a broader European context, pointing out that his visit follows recent trips to Beijing by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and precedes a planned visit to Washington. “Our message from a European point of view is the same,” Merz said before his departure. “We want a balanced, reliable, regulated and fair partnership with China. This is our offer — and it is also what we expect from the Chinese side.”
Economic imbalances remain a pressing concern. Germany’s imports from China rose 8.8% last year to 170.6 billion euros ($201 billion), while its exports to China fell 9.7% to 81.3 billion euros, widening a trade gap that Berlin considers unsustainable. Chinese exports, particularly in sectors such as electric vehicles and solar panels, have raised fears in Europe about industrial overcapacity and downward pressure on prices that could threaten manufacturing jobs.
European leaders have urged Chinese companies to invest directly in factories within Europe and to address structural issues that limit foreign firms’ access to China’s vast domestic market. Reducing barriers and creating more reciprocal conditions for trade remain key priorities for Berlin.
Following Wednesday’s meetings, Merz described the talks as constructive and highlighted potential commercial opportunities, including discussions about a possible Chinese order of up to 120 aircraft from European aerospace giant Airbus. Still, he acknowledged that further negotiations would be required to rebalance economic ties.
“Germany’s trade deficit with China has quadrupled since 2020,” Merz said. “This dynamic is not healthy. We are addressing it and want to open ways to cut this trade deficit.”
Chinese state commentary emphasized shared responsibility between the two countries to resist protectionism and economic coercion, signaling Beijing’s interest in aligning with European partners against unilateral trade measures.
Merz’s two-day visit will conclude in Hangzhou, one of China’s leading technology centers, where he is scheduled to visit Unitree Robotics, a prominent developer of humanoid robots. The stop is intended to highlight innovation and industrial cooperation, even as broader strategic and economic questions continue to shape the relationship.
The trip comes shortly before Merz is expected to travel again to Washington, reflecting Germany’s effort to navigate between its transatlantic alliance and its deep economic ties with China — a balancing act that has become increasingly delicate in a rapidly evolving global order.
Original article
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