German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Beijing on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, kicking off a two-day official visit aimed at reinforcing economic cooperation between Europe's largest economy and the Chinese mainland. The visit comes as both nations navigate post-pandemic recovery efforts and seek to expand collaboration in green energy technologies.
Merz's agenda includes meetings with the Chinese premier and business leaders, with discussions expected to focus on bilateral trade, technological innovation, and sustainable development initiatives. This marks the chancellor's first Asia visit since taking office in 2025, underscoring Germany's strategic interest in maintaining strong economic partnerships in the region.
The timing coincides with recent efforts to stabilize global supply chains, particularly in advanced manufacturing sectors where German and Chinese enterprises maintain deep interdependence. Analysts suggest the talks may address current challenges in cross-border investment flows while exploring new opportunities in renewable energy infrastructure projects.
For business professionals tracking EU-Asia relations, the visit signals potential policy developments affecting over $300 billion in annual bilateral trade. The outcomes could particularly impact automotive, chemical, and renewable energy sectors where German firms maintain significant operations in the Chinese mainland.
