Germany’s Merz Pushes Deeper China Cooperation on 1st Beijing Trip

Merz said that ‘no one can bypass China anymore’ as Berlin seeks closer ties with the communist regime.

Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz addresses the audience during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, on Feb. 13, 2026. Michael Probst/AP

China and Germany want to deepen cooperation, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Chinese Premier Li Qiang said in Beijing on Feb. 25.

Merz, who is making his first trip to China since taking office last May, has been in Beijing for a two-day visit, accompanied by a delegation of 30 companies, including top carmakers such as Volkswagen and BMW.