Germany German Chancellor Merz wants to deepen relations with China
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) wants to expand economic and diplomatic relations with China. "I attach great importance to maintaining and deepening these - wherever possible," he said at the start of his visit to China during a meeting with Premier Li Qiang in Beijing.
25.02.2026, 07:58
25.02.2026, 08:26
SDA
He also emphasized the need to work closely with China at European level. "We share responsibility in the world and we should live up to this responsibility together."
"Great potential for further growth"
There is "great potential for further growth" in both economies, said Merz. For this to succeed, "open channels of communication" were necessary. The Chancellor announced visits by specialist ministers in the coming months. There will be an intensive one in the course of the year.
Li spoke of a "stable" further development of bilateral relations. He referred to "changes in the international situation" and, in view of unilateralism and protectionism "in some countries and regions", called for trust in cooperation to be strengthened and for "multilateralism and free trade to be jointly safeguarded". China is prepared to work with Germany to strengthen the dialog.
Export ban on pork to be lifted
After the meeting, five intergovernmental agreements were signed in the presence of Li and Merz. Among other things, both sides agreed to continue their cooperation in the fight against climate change. There is also an agreement to pave the way for the resumption of German pork exports, which were halted in 2020 due to African swine fever.
Another protocol is intended to allow trade in chicken feet again. The state-owned China Media Group has also reached agreements with the football and table tennis associations in Germany, the details of which were not initially disclosed.
Merz arrived in the capital Beijing this morning (local time) for the first visit to China of his term of office. Li received him with military honors in the Great Hall of the People.
Dinner with Xi
Later, the Chancellor plans to meet President Xi Jinping for talks and dinner. The main topics to be discussed will be economic cooperation and security policy issues such as the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. China is considered the most important ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
