Berlin Risks Beijing Weaponizing Trade Ties: Analysts

Germany’s economy is under strain, a reality reflected in declining export volumes and a projected 2025 growth rate of merely 0.2 percent.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the 62nd Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, on Feb. 13, 2026. Johannes Simon/Getty Images

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s two-day visit to China will do little to stop Beijing from backing Russia in the Ukraine war, and risks leaving Berlin economically vulnerable if China weaponizes closer trade ties, experts warn.

“The framework in which we operate is exceptionally good, and we have worked together very well over the past decades,” Merz said during talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Feb. 25.