"Never been this well-prepared"! German media: Mertes will lead a "large business delegation" to China, visiting Beijing and Hangzhou

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson announced on February 23 that German Chancellor Merz will pay an official visit to China from the 25th to the 26th upon invitation. Last week, Merz posted on social platform X saying, “May the Year of the Horse inject strength and bring new momentum to China-Germany relations,” and expressed his anticipation of departing for China soon. European affairs expert told Global Times reporters on the 23rd that this is a belated but significant visit. Recent changes in the international situation have made Germany and the Merz government gradually realize the importance of further enhancing relations with China. For Merz himself, this visit is also an important opportunity for a cognitive update.

According to the itinerary published on the German Chancellery website, Merz will depart from Germany on the 24th and will attend the China-Germany Economic Advisory Committee meeting in Beijing on the 25th, where he will also meet with Chinese leaders. During his visit to Beijing, he will visit the Forbidden City and German automaker Mercedes-Benz. Afterwards, Merz will go to Hangzhou to visit Chinese robotics company Yushu Technology and German company Siemens Energy.

According to European News Channel report on the 20th, Merz announced his China visit at the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party congress, stating, “We need to develop economic relations with countries around the world, including countries like China.” He also emphasized that he will lead a “large business delegation” to China. He said, “Today’s foreign policy is also foreign economic policy, and foreign economic policy is a core part of our economic policy.”

German newspaper Handelsblatt reported that this “large business delegation” includes about 30 senior business representatives, including executives from Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Volkswagen, Siemens, Adidas, Mercedes-Benz, Henkell, DHL, Deutsche Bank, BMW, and others. The report noted that the number of business leaders interested in accompanying is far more than 30.

German magazine Stern reported on the 23rd that the Foreign Trade Director of the German Chamber of Commerce, Trier, called for strengthening cooperation with China before Merz’s visit. “Given the unpredictable behavior of U.S. President Trump, China is currently more predictable than the U.S., both a partner and a competitor. Due to the uncertainty in China-U.S. relations, in some areas, cooperation with China can be strengthened,” Trier listed fields such as environmental technology, recycling, medical technology, and circular economy. In Trier’s view, informal talks are obviously more promising than “megaphone diplomacy.”

“Merz has never prepared so meticulously for a visit,” said Der Spiegel on the 22nd. On the eve of his first visit to China, Merz faced increasing pressure. The Foreign Ministry demanded a tougher stance toward China, while the Economy Minister warned against doing so. Last Tuesday evening, the Chancellor took considerable time to listen carefully to opinions, inviting a small group of confidential advisors to the Chancellery to discuss the first China visit. The article suggests that China’s charm offensive has apparently been effective: Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau and UK Prime Minister Starm recently visited Beijing. An insider described Merz’s strategy for this visit as “joining the open dialogue friends club,” emphasizing that the Chancellor will be very friendly but also clearly state Germany’s interests.

Professor Cui Hongjian of the Institute of International Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University told Global Times on the 23rd that Merz’s visit to China is a belated but significant first visit. From the German side, the trip mainly focuses on two major aspects: one is economic, trade, and development interests; the other is political, security, and diplomatic issues. Recently, Germany has expressed hope to find a balance between competition and conflict, essentially seeking a balance between national interests and value positions.

Data released by the German Federal Statistical Office on the 20th shows that China surpassed the U.S. last year to become Germany’s largest trading partner again. According to Deutsche Welle, the 2025 China-Germany trade volume is expected to reach 251.8 billion euros, a 2.1% increase over 2024; trade between Germany and the U.S. decreased by 5% due to tariff disputes, down to 240.5 billion euros. Germany’s total imports from China are about 170.6 billion euros, more than double its exports to China.

Cui Hongjian said that before visiting China, Merz’s understanding of China was somewhat limited and influenced by Western public opinion. This face-to-face communication with Chinese leaders in Beijing will help him gain a deeper understanding of China’s policy goals, connotations, and background, forming a more objective and comprehensive view of China. Cui also mentioned that during the Hangzhou itinerary, Merz focused on Chinese tech companies, which is quite meaningful. Recent dialogues have made it clear that China has made significant progress in recent years, developing strong competitiveness and industrial advantages in technology. This trip, visiting enterprises and localities, aims to comprehensively understand China’s development experience and process.

Source: Global Times

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