German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday, hoping to bolster ties with his country’s largest trade partner and high-tech rival as Europe’s biggest economy struggles. 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. Export-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 last year. On Thursday, Merz is to visit Beijing’s Forbidden City, then a Mercedes plant where autonomous driving vehicles will be presented.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 25, 2026 11:32 UTC