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Friedrich Merz

China Orders 120 Airbus Planes Amid Germany Trade Visit | Euronews

by Marina Collins - Entertainment Editor February 25, 2026

written by Marina Collins - Entertainment Editor

Beijing – China has signaled its intent to significantly expand its fleet with an order of up to 120 additional aircraft from European aerospace giant Airbus, according to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The announcement, made during a visit to Beijing aimed at bolstering economic relations between Germany and China, underscores the continued importance of the Chinese market for the aviation industry despite ongoing geopolitical complexities. This potential deal represents a substantial boost for Airbus and a demonstration of the value of direct engagement with Chinese leadership, Merz stated.

The commitment came during meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, where discussions centered on strengthening strategic communication and mutual trust between the two nations. As the world navigates an increasingly turbulent landscape, both leaders emphasized the need for closer collaboration, even as challenges remain. China overtook the United States last year to become Germany’s largest trade partner, a dynamic that underscores the economic weight of the relationship, according to Gulf News.

Airbus Deal Highlights Economic Partnership

“The Chinese leadership will be ordering a larger number of additional aircraft from Airbus. The total order will include up to 120 additional aircraft,” Merz told reporters, adding that the agreement “demonstrates how worthwhile such trips can be.” The deal is a significant win for Airbus, solidifying its position in the crucial Chinese market. The exact configuration and timeline for the delivery of the aircraft have not yet been disclosed.

Merz’s visit, which began on Wednesday, is part of a broader effort to maintain a “balanced, reliable, regulated and fair partnership” with China, as he articulated prior to his departure. He stressed the importance of a level playing field for German companies operating within China, a recurring theme in discussions between European and Chinese officials. The German Chancellor also used the opportunity to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, urging China to play a constructive role in finding a diplomatic resolution. “The big global political problems can no longer be tackled today without involving Beijing,” Merz said, noting that “Beijing’s voice is heard, including in Moscow,” as reported by Euronews.

Beyond Aviation: Tech and Geopolitical Concerns

The German delegation’s itinerary extends beyond Beijing, with a planned visit to Hangzhou on Thursday. There, Merz is scheduled to tour Unitree Robotics, a leading Chinese developer of humanoid robots, signaling Germany’s interest in exploring opportunities within China’s rapidly evolving technology sector. This visit underscores the desire to engage with China not just as a market for established industries like aerospace, but also as a source of innovation.

The meetings between Merz and Chinese leadership also touched upon the broader geopolitical landscape. Xi Jinping emphasized the need for strengthened strategic communication, stating, “The more turbulent and complex the world becomes, the more China and Germany should strengthen strategic communication and enhance strategic mutual trust.” While acknowledging existing challenges, Merz echoed this sentiment, advocating for a focus on common ground and collaborative solutions. ZDFHeute reports that the discussion steered clear of explicitly labeling China as a “systemic rival,” a term often used in German policy papers.

The timing of Merz’s visit is noteworthy, coming amidst a period of heightened global uncertainty and shifting economic alliances. The German Chancellor’s efforts to deepen ties with China reflect a strategic calculation to maintain access to a vital market and to foster cooperation on pressing global issues. The Airbus deal, while commercially significant, also serves as a tangible symbol of continued engagement.

Looking ahead, the successful implementation of the Airbus order and the development of further collaborations in areas like robotics will be key indicators of the strength of the renewed partnership between Germany and China. The ongoing dialogue regarding Ukraine and other global challenges will also be crucial in shaping the future trajectory of the relationship.

What are your thoughts on the implications of this deal for the global aviation industry? Share your comments below and let us know what you think.

February 25, 2026 0 comments

world

Germany: Man Who Called Chancellor “Pinocchio” Faces No Charges

by Omar El Sayed - World Editor February 25, 2026

written by Omar El Sayed - World Editor

A German retiree in Heilbronn, Baden-Württemberg, will not face legal repercussions after referring to Chancellor Friedrich Merz as “Pinocchio,” local media reported Tuesday. The Heilbronn public prosecutor’s office has dropped the case, determining the comment constituted legitimate criticism of government, according to Die Welt.

The incident stems from a visit by Chancellor Merz to Heilbronn last October. A Facebook post by the Heilbronn police announcing security measures related to the visit drew criticism. One commenter likened Merz to the fictional wooden puppet known for lying. Three months later, the commenter, a local resident, was summoned by the criminal police for questioning, according to SWR Aktuell.

The investigation centered on potential violation of Article 188 of the German Criminal Code, which addresses insults directed at individuals performing political activities. The article stipulates that publicly insulting a person engaged in political work can result in up to three years imprisonment or a fine, if the insult is likely to “substantially impede” their political activity. The retiree expressed surprise at the investigation, telling local media outlet Die Stimme, “It’s a joke and it’s totally disproportionate. When I talked about my complaint to my friends and acquaintances, they all thought I was joking.”

The police department confirmed it received numerous emails, comments and messages expressing astonishment at the investigation. A police spokesperson, Andreas Blind, explained to Die Stimme that the department files complaints or notifies the public prosecutor’s office when illegal activity is detected during social media monitoring. Following Merz’s visit, the police reported 38 comments to the prosecutor’s office. Die Welt reported that one particularly offensive comment referred to the Chancellor as a “son of a bitch.” The public prosecutor’s office indicated This proves reviewing the remaining reported comments on a case-by-case basis.

February 25, 2026 0 comments

News

EU Fails to Agree Ukraine Aid & Sanctions Ahead of War Anniversary | Hungary Blocks Billions

by February 24, 2026

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Brussels failed to secure agreement on new sanctions against Moscow and billions of euros in financial aid for Kyiv before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with Hungary continuing to block necessary decisions, according to EU diplomats.

Despite intensive efforts to persuade Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to reconsider, all attempts have so far been unsuccessful, sources said. The impasse represents a significant setback for the EU, which had aimed to deliver a strong signal of support to Ukraine on the anniversary of the full-scale invasion and demonstrate to Russian President Vladimir Putin that European solidarity remains firm.

A €100 million emergency aid package for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure is likely to be announced, as this can proceed without Hungary’s consent, EU officials indicated.

The developments are expected to cast a shadow over planned commemorative events in Kyiv, which are to be attended by several EU heads of state and government, as well as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa. Costa had already expressed his displeasure with Orbán’s obstruction in a letter on Monday, accusing him of violating the principle of loyal cooperation within the EU. “No Member State should be allowed to undermine the credibility of the decisions collectively taken by the European Council,” Costa wrote, referencing the preliminary agreement reached at an EU summit on December 18 for the new aid package.

The proposed support, in the form of loans, is intended to reach up to €90 billion by the end of 2027, enabling Ukraine to continue its defense against Russian aggression.

Hungary has publicly justified its blockade by citing the halt of Russian oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline, which transits through Ukraine. Budapest accuses Kyiv of deliberately blocking the pipeline’s operation for political reasons.

According to Politico, Orbán has sharply criticized the EU’s plan to admit Ukraine to the bloc as quickly as possible, calling it an “open declaration of war” against Hungary. He alleges that Brussels and Kyiv are formulating a plan to admit Ukraine to the EU as early as 2027, disregarding the will of the Hungarian people and seeking to remove his government by any means necessary. Hungary is scheduled to hold general elections in April, where Orbán’s Fidesz party faces a strong challenge from the opposition.

Slovakia has also escalated tensions with Ukraine, halting diesel exports to Kyiv and threatening to cease electricity supplies if oil transit through Ukraine is not resumed. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico accused Ukraine of deliberately delaying repairs to the Druzhba pipeline, a claim Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry rejected on February 21, stating that repair work is ongoing. Hungary and Slovakia jointly provided over half of Ukraine’s electricity imports in January, a crucial lifeline amid the energy crisis caused by Russian strikes.

On February 22, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated that Hungary would block the EU’s new sanctions package against Russia until Ukraine resumes oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline.

February 24, 2026 0 comments

News

Merz’s China Trip: Germany Confronts a Shifting World Order

by February 24, 2026

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is scheduled to visit China, a trip coming as Berlin grapples with concerns about its economic competitiveness and the need for a unified European strategy toward Beijing, according to a frank assessment offered by Merz himself. The Chancellor stated China systematically fosters dependencies, aims to reshape the international order, and may soon achieve military parity with the United States.

The visit, Merz’s first official trip to China as Chancellor, occurs at a moment of heightened geopolitical tension. Transatlantic relations are strained, and China is actively promoting itself as an alternative center for “true multilateralism,” as articulated by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Munich Security Conference. This shifting global landscape necessitates a carefully calibrated approach from Berlin, one that bolsters Europe’s economic security and strategic resilience, analysts say.

A key concern for Germany, and the wider European Union, is China’s continued support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. Merz has publicly stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin would be unable to sustain the four-year-long conflict without Chinese backing. This support represents a “structural burden” on bilateral relations with China, according to observers.

Beyond the geopolitical implications, Germany is likewise focused on addressing economic vulnerabilities. China’s export strength is fueling a debate within Germany about its own lagging competitiveness. Berlin is prioritizing “de-risking” its economic relationship with China, a strategy that aims to reduce dependencies without resorting to protectionism – a tactic China itself has employed for years. Export controls, particularly regarding rare earths, are seen as a potential tool to address vulnerabilities, though they also risk weaponizing dependencies.

The trade imbalance between Europe and China, coupled with China’s industrial policy, is viewed as a long-term economic and security risk. China’s next Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) is expected to continue its current trajectory, with even greater speed and ambition.

German politicians are also grappling with internal divisions regarding the appropriate approach to China. Omid Nouripour, a German government official, has reportedly criticized a perceived lack of coordination within the government, questioning whether the focus on the United States is distracting from more pressing issues.

Daniela Schwarzer, a commentator on German foreign policy, argues that Merz’s visit must convey a clear message to Beijing. The Chancellor faces a balancing act, seeking to strengthen the German economy while navigating a complex geopolitical landscape.

The upcoming visit is expected to be a test of European unity, with the outcome potentially reverberating across the EU’s broader China policy. Whether Merz can resist a potential “charm offensive” from Beijing and adhere to the four guardrails – addressing China’s stance on Ukraine, prioritizing economic security and de-risking, and maintaining European unity – remains to be seen.