Despite differences, China’s Xi and Germany’s Merz seek to deepen ties in turbulent times

China and Germany Seek to Deepen Ties Amid Global Turbulence

Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged Wednesday to strengthen bilateral relations despite significant disagreements on major issues, including Russia’s war in Ukraine, as both nations navigate an increasingly complex global landscape.

The leaders of the world’s second and third largest economies met in Beijing at the Diaoyutai state guesthouse, where Xi emphasized the need for enhanced strategic communication. “The more turbulent and complex the world becomes, the more China and Germany should strengthen strategic communication and enhance strategic mutual trust,” Xi said during the talks.

Merz, making his first visit to China since taking office last May, acknowledged the challenges but stressed the importance of finding common ground. “We should emphasize the things we have in common and face the challenges we stand before together,” the German chancellor stated.

The meeting comes at a critical juncture as both nations confront U.S. President Donald Trump’s protectionist policies. Just hours before the Beijing meeting, Trump delivered a State of the Union address praising his import tariffs, underscoring the economic pressures both China and Germany face from Washington.

Merz has prioritized building a stronger, more self-reliant Europe both economically and militarily. Before his China trip, he emphasized that “the big global political problems can no longer be tackled today without involving Beijing,” highlighting China’s essential role in addressing international challenges.

The Ukraine conflict featured prominently in discussions. After the talks, Merz told reporters he had urged Chinese leaders to use their influence to help end the war. “We know that signals from Beijing are taken very seriously in Moscow — that goes for words as well as deeds,” he said.

Many European governments have expressed frustration with China’s stance on the Ukraine conflict. While Beijing has maintained close diplomatic and trade ties with Moscow, it claims neutrality in the conflict. According to Xinhua News Agency, Xi told Merz that China supports a political solution that would “address the legitimate concerns of all sides” with “equal participation of all parties.”

Economic concerns dominated much of the agenda. Germany’s trade imbalance with China has grown significantly, with German imports from China rising 8.8% to €170.6 billion ($201 billion) last year, while exports to China fell 9.7% to €81.3 billion. After the meetings, Merz highlighted this issue: “This trade deficit has quadrupled since 2020… this dynamic is not healthy, so we are addressing it and want to open ways to cut this trade deficit.”

European leaders are seeking Chinese investment in their countries while simultaneously pressing for reduced manufacturing overcapacity in sectors like electric vehicles and solar panels. They also want improved market access for foreign companies in China.

Despite these challenges, Merz expressed satisfaction with the talks and pointed to potential business opportunities, including a possible order of up to 120 planes from European manufacturer Airbus by China.

Merz’s visit is part of a broader European diplomatic engagement with Beijing. He noted before his trip that his timing was deliberate, following recent visits by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and preceding Trump’s planned April visit.

“Our message from a European point of view is the same: We want a balanced, reliable, regulated and fair partnership with China,” Merz said. “This is our offer. At the same time, it is what we also hope for and expect from the Chinese side.”

Xinhua highlighted in a commentary that both nations, as major economies, share responsibility for opposing protectionism and economic coercion.

Merz’s two-day visit continues Thursday in Hangzhou, where he will visit Unitree Robotics, one of China’s leading developers of humanoid robots. The chancellor will soon make his third visit to Washington, balancing Germany’s relationships with both global powers during a period of significant geopolitical realignment.