'Talks Less, Do More' – The Challenges of Merz's Visit to China | DW News
•February 25, 2026
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Why It Matters
Revitalizing German‑China ties could secure market access for German exporters while moderating competitive pressures, influencing Europe's broader economic strategy toward China.
Key Takeaways
- •Merz's inaugural China trip aims to revive bilateral ties.
- •German industry fears intensifying competition from Chinese manufacturers.
- •Li Qiang emphasizes desire for practical German‑China cooperation.
- •Visit signals broader Western effort to engage Beijing post‑pandemic.
- •Discussions focus on trade, technology, and market access.
Pulse Analysis
The Merz delegation marks a notable shift in Europe’s diplomatic choreography toward Beijing, following a series of high‑profile visits by French, Italian and Dutch leaders. After years of strained dialogue over market access, human‑rights concerns, and strategic autonomy, Germany’s chancellor is signaling a pragmatic pivot: prioritize concrete outcomes over rhetoric. This approach aligns with the European Union’s broader “strategic partnership” framework, which seeks to balance competition with cooperation in sectors ranging from automotive to renewable energy.
German industry executives have been vocal about the accelerating pace of Chinese manufacturing, especially in high‑tech components, electric vehicles, and industrial automation. Companies fear losing market share unless they secure reliable supply chains and fair trade conditions. Merz’s agenda therefore emphasizes safeguards for German SMEs, joint research initiatives, and reciprocal standards that could level the playing field. By engaging directly with Premier Li Qiang, the German side hopes to translate political goodwill into actionable policies that protect intellectual property and encourage technology transfer on equitable terms.
If the talks yield substantive agreements, the ripple effects could reshape trade flows across the continent. Potential areas of cooperation include green hydrogen projects, semiconductor collaborations, and joint ventures in advanced materials. Such initiatives would not only bolster Germany’s export portfolio but also provide China with high‑value European expertise, fostering a more interdependent economic relationship. Ultimately, the success of Merz’s visit will be measured by the extent to which diplomatic language converts into measurable trade volumes and collaborative R&D pipelines, setting a precedent for future Western engagements with China.
Original Description
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is on his first visit to China since taking office. He's the latest western leader seeking to reset ties with Beijing. The trip comes as German industry warns of growing competition from China.
China's Premier Li Qiang said in a meeting with Merz that China was looking forward to more practical cooperation witn Germany.
#Germany #China
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