German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in China for his first state visit, where he met with Premier Li Qiang, who called for stronger international cooperation against unilateralism and protectionism. Merz plans to discuss economic cooperation, the Ukraine war, and human rights with President Xi Jinping.
Key points
- Li Qiang proposed joint upholding of multilateralism and free trade during his meeting with Merz in Beijing.
- China is Germany's most important trading partner, though the trade balance is uneven with Chinese exports significantly exceeding imports.
- Merz is accompanied by a large delegation of top managers.
- The visit occurs while US President Donald Trump declared a "golden age" for the USA in his State of the Nation address, focusing on domestic issues.
- The Bundestag's Budget Committee is set to decide on procuring 'Kamikaze drones' for the Bundeswehr, a move involving firms with controversial ties.
Why it matters
The visit navigates complex times marked by US-China rivalry and China's growing geopolitical and economic influence, requiring Germany to focus on mutual benefits in cooperation.
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