German Chancellor Friedrich Merz embarks on a pivotal two-day visit to the Chinese mainland starting February 25, with economic collaboration taking center stage amid evolving global trade dynamics. The trip comes as bilateral trade maintains robust momentum at over $200 billion annually, accounting for nearly one-third of China-EU economic exchanges.
Since establishing diplomatic relations 50 years ago, China-Germany cooperation has grown into an economic anchor, with cumulative two-way investment exceeding $65 billion. This year's meetings gain added significance as China implements its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), creating fresh opportunities in industrial modernization.
Observers anticipate expanded partnerships in four key areas:
Clean Energy: Joint development of renewable technologies and smart grid solutions
Embodied Intelligence: AI integration in manufacturing and logistics
Biotechnology: Collaborative medical research and pharmaceutical innovation
Industrial Digitalization: Smart factory systems and 5G-enabled production
The talks may also address sustainable supply chain development and cross-border data governance frameworks. As both nations navigate economic transitions, this visit could set the tone for EU-Asia tech collaboration through 2026 and beyond.
