Beijing – During a visit to Beijing, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the “shared responsibility” between the European Union and China in maintaining global stability, advocating for increased cooperation despite growing economic and geopolitical tensions. The visit, occurring amid a complex landscape of trade imbalances and strategic competition, underscores Germany’s continued engagement with China as a key economic partner, even as concerns mount over Beijing’s trade practices and its relationship with Russia.
Merz’s trip to China, which began on February 24, 2026, comes at a critical juncture for both economies. Germany, as Europe’s largest economy, is seeking to diversify its trade relationships and reduce its reliance on any single market, even as China is navigating a slowdown in its economic growth and facing increased scrutiny from Western nations. The core of the discussion centered on fostering a more balanced economic relationship and addressing concerns over market access and fair competition, a key aspect of trade tensions.
Airbus Deal Signals Continued Economic Ties
A significant outcome of Merz’s visit was the announcement of a deal for China to purchase 120 Airbus aircraft, a transaction valued at billions of euros. Euronews reported that Merz confirmed the agreement, highlighting the ongoing economic relationship between Europe and China despite political headwinds. This deal provides a boost to the European aerospace industry and demonstrates China’s continued demand for commercial aircraft.
Addressing Trade Imbalances and Market Access
However, Merz also delivered a blunt message to Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding trade imbalances and the need for greater market access for European companies. According to the New York Times, Merz urged China to address concerns over intellectual property theft, forced technology transfers and discriminatory practices against foreign businesses. He emphasized that a level playing field is crucial for fostering sustainable economic cooperation.
Geopolitical Context and Regional Stakes
The visit takes place against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical competition between the United States and China, with Europe caught in the middle. The US has been urging its allies to reduce their economic dependence on China and to adopt a more assertive stance on issues such as human rights and trade practices. Germany, while maintaining close economic ties with China, has also expressed concerns over these issues and has sought to balance its economic interests with its values. Al Jazeera reported that Xi Jinping also sought to build on economic ties with Germany amid fallout from US tariffs.
Looking Ahead: EU-China Relations
Merz’s call for a “shared responsibility” between the EU and China reflects a growing recognition that both sides have a stake in maintaining global stability and addressing common challenges such as climate change and pandemics. The Financial Times noted that Merz urged Xi Jinping to reset trade relations. However, significant obstacles remain, including concerns over China’s human rights record and its support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. The future of EU-China relations will depend on whether both sides can find common ground and address these challenges in a constructive manner. The next procedural step will likely involve further discussions between EU and Chinese officials to explore specific areas for cooperation and to address outstanding concerns.
What are your thoughts on the future of EU-China relations? Share your comments below.
