German chancellor, Xi search extra cooperation

February 25, 2026

Germany desires ‘honest’ cooperation with China, says Merz

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (left) and Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang (right) talking while sat at a table — Merz (left) met with Prime Minister Li Qiang (proper), whereas talks with President Xi Jinping are scheduled for later within the dayPicture: Michael Kappeler/dpa/image alliance

German Chancellor ‌Friedrich Merz mentioned in his assembly with Chinese language Premier Li Qiang that Germany desires ‌ to deepen financial ‌exchanges with Beijing.

Nevertheless, Merz added that Germany had particular issues on cooperation and wished to make sure ⁠that cooperation is honest.

The chancellor burdened that the 2 nations should converse brazenly with one another.

The feedback from Merz got here as he started his inaugural go to to China, Germany’s largest commerce accomplice.

Li urged Germany to assist safeguard free commerce, as he referred to US President Donald Trump‘s commerce battle, that has despatched ripples down the worldwide buying and selling system.

“China and Germany, as two of the world’s largest economies and main international locations ‌with vital affect, ought to strengthen our confidence in cooperation, collectively safeguard multilateralism and free commerce, and try to construct a extra simply and honest international governance system,” the premier mentioned.

Merz’s go to comes as Germany not sees the US as a dependable accomplice and is scouring for international companions.

China returned to being Germany’s most vital buying and selling accomplice in 2025, changing the US’s transient stint, with a commerce quantity of greater than €250 billion ($294 billion) in 2025.

Germany’s commerce relationship with China has seen a significant shift.

Merz sitting at a table as lunch is being served in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing — Merz was served a lunch after his reception with army honorsPicture: Michael Kappeler/dpa/image alliance

Germany’s commerce deficit reached a report excessive in 2025, estimated at round €90 billion based on the German Financial Institute. This marks a rise of €30 billion over 2024 alone.

Chinese language industries are additionally more and more main in sectors as soon as dominated by German corporations. The German car trade was efficiently serving the market in China, however each international locations are actually witnessing a transition to electrical vehicles. Whereas German electrical vehicles could carry with them model recognition, Chinese language producers have managed to make their vehicles cheaper, even exporting them to Europe.