Merz Heads to Beijing as China Reclaims Top Spot in German Trade

‘We have a strategic interest in finding partners prepared to shape the future together,’ Merz said ahead of his visit.

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

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to China this week to explore new areas of cooperation with Beijing, as official figures show China has once again become Germany’s most important trading partner.

Merz is expected to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing during a visit from Feb. 24 to 27.