What Does Germany's Friedrich Merz Want From China During His Trip? | DW News
•February 26, 2026
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Why It Matters
The Airbus order strengthens Europe's aerospace sector and signals deeper Germany‑China economic integration, while the diplomatic overture may reshape EU‑China trade dynamics amid global tensions.
Key Takeaways
- •China to purchase up to 120 Airbus aircraft.
- •Merz's visit marks first official German state trip to China.
- •Xi Jinping promises 'new level' bilateral relations.
- •Deal boosts Airbus revenue and EU aerospace sector.
- •Visit may influence EU-China trade and security dialogue.
Pulse Analysis
The Merz‑Xi summit arrives at a pivotal moment for EU‑China relations, which have been strained by trade disputes, technology restrictions, and differing geopolitical priorities. High‑level visits like this serve as diplomatic bridges, offering a platform to reset dialogue and address contentious issues ranging from market access to human‑rights concerns. By framing the relationship as moving to a "new level," both sides signal a willingness to engage constructively, potentially easing tensions that have hampered broader economic cooperation.
The centerpiece of the talks—a commitment from China to buy up to 120 Airbus aircraft—represents one of the largest single‑order deals for the European aerospace giant in recent years. Such a volume not only injects billions of euros into Airbus's order book but also reinforces the company's supply chain across Germany, France, and Spain. For the German economy, the deal translates into thousands of high‑skill jobs and bolsters the nation’s export surplus, while affirming Europe’s competitive edge in commercial aviation against rivals like Boeing and emerging Chinese manufacturers.
Beyond immediate commercial gains, the visit could reshape the strategic calculus for German and EU policymakers. Strengthened economic ties may provide leverage in negotiations on technology standards, climate commitments, and security cooperation, especially as both regions grapple with supply‑chain resilience and the push for greener aviation. Observers will watch whether the "new level" rhetoric materialises into concrete policy frameworks, setting the tone for future EU‑China engagements in a rapidly evolving global order.
Original Description
Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz is on day two of his first official visit to China. On Wednesday, President Xi Jinping said he wanted to take relations with Germany to what he called a "new level". Chancellor Merz highlighted the importance of the trip by announcing that China has agreed to buy up to 120 aircraft from European manufacturer Airbus.
00:00 German chancellor on two-day state visit to China
01:56 Rik Glauert, DW East Asia Correspondent
05:26 Claus Soong, Mercator Institute for China Studies
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