German Chancellor Friedrich Merz concluded his two-day visit to China this week with a strong emphasis on technological collaboration, touring cutting-edge automotive and robotics facilities to bolster economic ties between the two nations.
Future Mobility Takes Center Stage
During his final day in Beijing on February 26, Merz tested Mercedes-Benz's latest S-Class sedan equipped with intelligent driving systems, praising the "close partnership" between German engineering and Chinese technological innovation. The automaker confirmed its Chinese R&D team now plays a pivotal role in its global development network, with over 3,000 engineers working on connectivity and autonomous driving solutions.
Robotics Demonstration Sparks Innovation Dialogue
The Chancellor later visited Unitree Robotics in Hangzhou, where humanoid robots demonstrated precision assembly tasks. Founder Wang Xingxing told state media the visit reflects growing international interest in China's robotics sector, stating: "We're ready to work with German partners to push AI-driven robotics into new practical applications."
Economic Priorities in Focus
Merz's itinerary emphasized practical cooperation, with government officials noting the visit aimed to strengthen supply chain resilience and explore joint ventures in green technologies. This comes as bilateral trade between China and Germany reached €320 billion in 2025, maintaining China's position as Germany's largest trading partner for the ninth consecutive year.
