“Never so well prepared”! German media: Merz will lead a

# Global Times

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will lead a "large business delegation" of about 30 executives, including those from Volkswagen and Siemens, on an official visit to China from February 25 to 26. This marks his first trip to China since taking office. German media report that Merz has made "unprecedentedly meticulous preparations" for the visit, aiming to strengthen economic and trade cooperation with China while striking a balance between national interests and value-based positions, in response to shifting international dynamics and uncertainties in China-US relations.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced on February 23 that Chancellor Merz will pay an official visit to China at the invitation from February 25 to 26. Last week, Merz posted on social media platform X, saying, "May the Year of the Horse inject strength and new momentum into Germany-China relations," and expressed his eagerness to embark on the trip soon. A European affairs expert told the Global Times on February 23 that this is a long-overdue yet highly significant visit. Recent changes in the international landscape have led Germany and the Merz government to increasingly recognize the need to elevate the importance of relations with China. For Merz personally, this visit also presents a crucial opportunity to update his understanding of China.

According to the itinerary released on the German Chancellery website, Merz will depart Germany on February 24. On February 25, he will attend a symposium of the German-Chinese Economic Advisory Council in Beijing and hold meetings with Chinese leaders. During his stay in Beijing, he will also visit the Forbidden City and the German automaker Mercedes-Benz. Following his Beijing engagements, Merz will travel to Hangzhou, where he will visit Unitree Robotics, a Chinese robotics firm, and Siemens Energy, a German company.

As reported by Euronews on February 20, when announcing the visit at a CDU party congress, Merz stated: "We need to develop economic relations with countries around the world, and this certainly includes a country like China." He also emphasized that he would lead a "large business delegation" on the trip, adding: "In today's world, foreign policy is also foreign economic policy, and foreign economic policy is a core component of our economic policy."

German business daily Handelsblatt reports that the "large business delegation" comprises approximately 30 senior business representatives, including executives from Bayer, Volkswagen, Siemens, Adidas, Mercedes-Benz, Henkel, DHL, Commerzbank, and BMW. The report notes that the number of business executives wishing to accompany the delegation far exceeds 30.

German weekly *Stern* reported on February 23 that Volker Treier, head of foreign trade at the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), called for strengthened cooperation with China ahead of Merz's visit. "Given US President Trump's erratic behavior, China is currently more predictable than the United States—both a partner and a competitor. Amid uncertainties in China-US relations, cooperation with China can be enhanced in certain areas," Treier said, citing environmental technology, recycling, medical technology, and the circular economy as examples. In Treier's view, closed-door talks hold far greater promise of success than "megaphone diplomacy."

"Merz has never prepared for a foreign trip so meticulously," German weekly *Der Spiegel* reported on February 22. On the eve of his first visit to China, Merz faces mounting pressure. The Foreign Ministry has called for a tougher stance toward China, while the Economy Minister has warned against such an approach. Last Tuesday evening, the chancellor set aside extensive time to listen carefully to diverse views, inviting a small group of confidential guests to dinner at the Chancellery to discuss his maiden trip to China. The article notes that China's charm offensive appears to have paid off: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have both visited Beijing recently. An informed source described Merz's strategy for the visit as "joining the club of friends of open dialogue"—the chancellor will be highly amicable, yet at the same time clearly articulate Germany's interests.

Cui Hongjian, a professor at the Institute for Regional and Global Governance at Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times on February 23 that Chancellor Merz's visit to China is a long-overdue yet highly significant maiden trip. From Germany's perspective, the visit focuses on two main dimensions: first, economic, trade, and development interests; second, political, security, and diplomatic issues. Germany's recent statements, which seek to strike a balance between competition and conflict, essentially aim to find an equilibrium between national interests and value-based positions.

Data released by the Federal Statistical Office of Germany on February 20 shows that China surpassed the United States last year to once again become Germany's largest trading partner. According to Deutsche Welle, Germany-China trade volume reached €251.8 billion in 2025, a 2.1% increase from 2024; meanwhile, Germany-US trade fell by 5% to €240.5 billion amid tariff disputes. Germany imported goods worth approximately €170.6 billion from China, more than double its exports to China.

Cui Hongjian noted that prior to the visit, Merz's understanding of China was somewhat limited and influenced by Western public opinion. Face-to-face communications with Chinese leaders in Beijing will help him gain an in-depth understanding of China's policy objectives, connotations, and background, fostering a more objective and comprehensive perception of China. Cui also pointed out that Merz's focus on Chinese tech enterprises during his Hangzhou itinerary is highly meaningful. In recent dialogues, Germany has clearly recognized China's remarkable development and progress in recent years, as well as its strong competitiveness and industrial advantages in the technology sector. Visiting enterprises and localities during the trip is precisely aimed at comprehensively understanding China's development experience and journey.

Source: Global Times

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