Merz’s Beijing Visit Signals a New Chapter in China–Germany Relations and Reaffirms Commitment to Multilateralism

ALDAR / Sara El Oukili

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the visit of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to Beijing marks an important milestone in the development of bilateral ties, reflecting a shared determination to deepen the strategic partnership and expand economic cooperation at a time of major global transformations.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning noted that this is Merz’s first visit to China since taking office. He also became the first foreign leader received by China during the Year of the Horse, a symbolic moment highlighting the importance Beijing attaches to the diplomatic engagement.

During the visit, the German chancellor held high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. The discussions focused on the future of bilateral cooperation and concluded with the issuance of a joint press statement between the People’s Republic of China and Germany.

Leaders from both countries agreed that the international landscape is undergoing the most profound transformations since the end of World War II. In this context, China and Germany—respectively the world’s second- and third-largest economies—carry a special responsibility to promote global stability and support the multilateral international order.

Both sides emphasized the need to strengthen strategic communication, deepen mutual trust, and uphold free trade and open cooperation. They also reaffirmed their support for the central role of the United Nations and their commitment to the principles of its Charter, while expressing their intention to further develop their comprehensive strategic partnership in ways that deliver tangible benefits to their peoples and contribute to a more stable and prosperous world.

Economic cooperation emerged as one of the key highlights of the visit. Chancellor Merz was accompanied by a delegation of around thirty executives from leading German companies, reflecting strong confidence within Germany’s business community in the prospects of the Chinese market.

The two countries also aim to enhance coordination between China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and Germany’s development strategies in order to foster higher-level economic partnerships. Several cooperation agreements were signed during the visit in areas including the green transition, customs cooperation, sports, and media.

In addition, the Chinese premier and the German chancellor attended a symposium of the China-Germany Economic Advisory Committee alongside more than sixty business leaders from both countries.

According to Beijing, German companies remain optimistic about the outlook for China’s economy and have expressed their willingness to increase investment in the country in order to benefit from the opportunities generated by China’s ongoing economic modernization.

Chinese officials consider the visit a significant step forward in bilateral relations, reaffirming the two countries’ commitment to maintaining a stable and constructive partnership, expanding mutually beneficial cooperation, and addressing differences through frank and open dialogue based on mutual respect.

Against a backdrop of global uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, Beijing believes that stronger ties with Berlin could help inject greater stability and positive momentum into the evolving international order.