German Chancellor Friedrich Merz concluded a two-day official visit to China on February 26, 2026, accompanied by a high-level delegation of 30 business executives. The visit underscored Germany's commitment to maintaining robust economic ties with Beijing amid evolving global trade dynamics. During meetings with President Xi Jinping, both leaders reaffirmed their nations' dedication to strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, signaling continuity in diplomatic engagement between Europe's largest economy and China.
Bilateral trade between China and Germany reached USD 292 billion in 2025, cementing China's position as Germany's largest trading partner. The substantial trade volume reflects the depth of commercial integration between the two economies, with German automotive, machinery, and chemical sectors maintaining significant market presence in China. The presence of corporate executives in the delegation highlighted the business community's role in driving forward economic cooperation and identifying new opportunities for expansion.
The visit comes at a critical juncture for EU-China relations, with both sides seeking to establish greater stability in their engagement. Officials emphasized the importance of multilateralism and collaborative approaches to addressing global governance challenges. By bringing together political leadership and private sector representatives, the mission aimed to reinforce the multifaceted nature of the China-Germany relationship and explore avenues for deeper integration across trade, investment, and technological sectors.