German Chancellor arrives in China to discuss war and trade imbalance

Katerina Melnychenko
Katerina Melnychenko Deputy Editor-in-Chief
German Chancellor arrives in China to discuss war and trade imbalance
BBC photo
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has arrived in Beijing on his first official visit, during which he plans to discuss Russia's war against Ukraine and the growing trade imbalance between Germany and China.

This was reported by The Public with reference to the BBC.

Before his trip, Merz said that Germany seeks a partnership with China that is "balanced, reliable, regulated and fair." He is also expected to call on China to use its influence on Russia to help end the war against Ukraine.

The visit comes amid a significant trade imbalance between the two countries. According to official data, in 2025, Germany imported €170.6 billion worth of goods from China, 8.8% more than a year earlier. At the same time, German exports to China fell by 9.7% to €81.3 billion.

In 2025, China once again became Germany's largest trading partner, ahead of the United States.

The Chancellor is accompanied on her trip by a delegation of German business representatives. It is expected that during the talks, the parties will also discuss economic cooperation and international security issues.

Merz said that Germany would continue its policy of reducing economic risks in its relations with China, but did not plan to completely cease cooperation.

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