German chancellor lands in Beijing for inaugural China trip
Friedrich Merz said it would be a mistake to "decouple" Germany from China shortly before boarding a plane to Beijing.
Coverage by Political Leaning
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Notable Quotes
""We want a partnership with China that is balanced, reliable, regulated and fair.""
— Friedrich Merz , Politician
""is eroding the core of German industry, especially in the car, machinery and chemicals sectors.""
— Jürgen Matthes , Academic
""No one in Europe wants a two front trade war with the world's two superpowers.""
— Noah Barkin , Academic
"The more turbulent and complex the world becomes, the more China and Germany should strengthen strategic communication and enhance strategic mutual trust."
— Xi Jinping , Politician
"As the world’s second and third largest economies, sound China–Germany relations serve the interests of both sides and meet the expectations of the international community."
— Mao Ning , Politician
"The Ukraine crisis is not and should not become an issue between China and Europe."
— Mao Ning , Politician
"We know that signals from Beijing are taken very seriously in Moscow. That goes for words as well as deeds."
— Friedrich Merz , Politician
"I would like to expressly welcome China's commitment to peace in the region, which I heard today."
— Friedrich Merz , Politician
"The key is to persist in seeking solutions through dialogue and negotiation."
— Xi Jinping , Politician
"The more turbulent and intertwined the world becomes, the more China and Germany need to strengthen strategic communication and enhance strategic mutual trust."
— Xi Jinping , Politician
"China stands ready to work with Germany to enhance understanding and mutual trust."
— Friedrich Merz , Politician
"Germany wants a partnership with China that is balanced, reliable, regulated and fair."
— Friedrich Merz , Politician
"Our message from a European point of view is the same: We want partnership with China balanced, reliable, regulated and fair."
— Friedrich Merz , Politician
"help safeguard free trade."
— Li Qiang , Politician
"China and Germany, as two of the world’s largest economies and major countries with important influence, should strengthen our confidence in cooperation."
— Li Qiang , Politician
Key People
German Chancellor.
Jürgen Matthes is the head of International Economic Policy at the German Economic Institute.
Li Qiang is the Premier of China.
Mao Ning is the spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry.
Noah Barkin is a visiting senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund and a senior adviser at the Rhodium Group.
Founding pastor of Early Rain Covenant Church, serving a nine-year jail term.
Xi Jinping is the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and President of China.
Tags
All Coverage
Friedrich Merz said it would be a mistake to "decouple" Germany from China shortly before boarding a plane to Beijing.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Beijing for a two-day visit aimed at promoting fair trade and encouraging China's role in ending the Ukraine conflict. This marks his first visit to China since taking office in May, emphasizing a unified European approach to global challenges.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's inaugural visit to China focuses on addressing trade imbalances, global geopolitical shifts, and the war in Ukraine. Merz aims to discuss these issues with Chinese leaders during his two-day trip.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's first official trip to China comes amid rising competition from Chinese manufacturers and concerns over Beijing's stance on Ukraine. Merz aims to address these issues during his two-day visit.
China's Foreign and Commerce ministries outlined details of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's upcoming visit, confirming meetings with Chinese leaders and the participation of around 30 senior executives from leading German firms. Analysts view the visit as a signal of Berlin's pragmatic approach toward China amid shifting global dynamics.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has begun his inaugural visit to China, focusing on resetting trade relations and deepening cooperation. He emphasized the need for fair cooperation and open communication with China.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Beijing aiming to attain 'fair' cooperation with China and deepen economic ties. Merz and his delegation will conduct a two-day agenda in China, including encounters with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. Before leaving Germany, Merz emphasized the desire for a balanced, reliable, regulated, and fair partnership with China.
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