German Chancellor Merz Visits China to Promote Fair Trade and Ukraine Peace Efforts

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Beijing in February 2026 to seek fairer economic cooperation and address a growing trade imbalance with China, Germany's largest trading partner. He emphasized the need for balanced, reliable, and regulated trade while urging China to assist in resolving the Ukraine conflict. Merz highlighted Europe's strategic challenges amid U.S. tariffs and geopolitical shifts, advocating for cooperation with China on global issues. Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for joint efforts to uphold multilateralism and free trade. The visit included discussions on economic ties, supply chain vulnerabilities, and limited agreements on climate and trade cooperation.