German Chancellor Visits China Seeking Trade Balance, Ukraine War Help

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has arrived in Beijing for a two-day diplomatic mission focused on creating fairer economic conditions for German businesses. He's also seeking China's help in bringing an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

BEIJING — Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany touched down in Beijing Wednesday morning, launching an intensive two-day diplomatic mission aimed at securing better economic opportunities for German businesses and enlisting China’s support in ending the prolonged conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The German leader landed under cloudy skies in China’s capital, marking his inaugural visit to the country since assuming office in May. Prior to his departure, Merz highlighted the significance of coordinating Germany’s approach to China within a broader European framework, pointing out the strategic timing of his visit following recent trips by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit scheduled for early April.

“Our message from a European point of view is the same: We want partnership with China balanced, reliable, regulated and fair,” Merz said. “This is our offer. At the same time, it is what we also hope for and expect from the Chinese side.”

Since taking office, Merz has advocated for developing a more robust Europe, both in economic and defense capabilities, to navigate the shifting global landscape. European nations have faced challenges from Trump’s tariff policies and his calls for increased European self-reliance in security matters, along with his controversial demands regarding Greenland.

In his pre-departure statements, Merz acknowledged that despite existing tensions with China, “the big global political problems can no longer be tackled today without involving Beijing.” He emphasized the necessity of Chinese cooperation in addressing international crises, particularly the Ukraine situation, observing that “Beijing’s voice is heard, including in Moscow.”

European governments have expressed disappointment over China’s limited efforts to influence Russia toward ending the military action. Beijing has continued its commercial and diplomatic relationships with Russia while claiming neutrality in the conflict. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated this week, “We hope all parties will seize the opportunity to reach a comprehensive, lasting and binding peace agreement.”

Merz joins a series of international leaders visiting Beijing as China seeks global allies to counter Trump’s tariff strategies and his challenges to established international institutions that have shaped post-World War II global relations.

“At a time when the world is experiencing turbulence and transformation, China and Germany, as major economies and advocates of multilateralism, share the responsibility to uphold the stability of global industrial and supply chains and oppose protectionism and economic coercion,” China’s official Xinhua News Agency said in a commentary.

Trade imbalances present a significant concern, with Germany’s purchases from China climbing 8.8% to 170.6 billion euros ($201 billion) in the past year, while German exports to China dropped 9.7% to 81.3 billion euros ($96 billion).

European officials are encouraging Chinese manufacturers to establish production facilities within their borders while simultaneously calling for China to address manufacturing overcapacity that has depressed prices in sectors like electric vehicles and solar energy equipment. They also seek the elimination of obstacles that foreign businesses encounter in the world’s second-largest economy.

“We also want to discuss how we can find a remedy, for example, where systemic overcapacities have arisen, where there are export restrictions and where there are access restrictions … that distort and prevent competition,” Merz said.