Germany And China Discuss Strategic Economic Partnership Reset

In a significant development on February 25, 2026, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, aiming to strengthen ties with Germany's largest trade partner amid ongoing economic challenges. Merz described the visit as a 'great opportunity' to enhance economic relations, emphasizing the need for 'fair' cooperation while also addressing the systemic rivalry posed by China to the West. He expressed a desire to resume joint consultations between their governments, which had been disrupted by political changes in Germany and the pandemic. During the meeting, both leaders signed agreements on climate change and food security, highlighting their commitment to multilateralism and free trade despite rising protectionism globally. Merz also laid out his concerns regarding trade imbalances, stating, 'We should be under no illusions,' and underscoring that China 'claims the right to define a new multilateral order according to its own rules' (Business Recorder).