German Chancellor Merz Concludes Landmark Visit to China Amid Rising Global Tensions

In a historic visit that has been described as worthwhile by the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz has wrapped up his first official trip to China, a visit that has resulted in more than ten agreements and an order of 120 aircraft from Airbus by China. The visit, however, was not without contention, as Merz also called on China to use its influence to end the conflict in Ukraine.

Background and Context

Merz's landmark visit to China comes at a time when the EU is trying to decrease its reliance on both China and the US, prompting a shift towards mutual understanding and beneficial cooperation between EU and China. The German Chancellor has been vocal about wanting to reset ties with China, despite the deep-seated grievances that still exist between Beijing and Europe.

Key Developments

During his visit, Merz met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, expressing his hopes that China would uphold its strategic partnership with the EU and strive for mutually beneficial cooperation. The two leaders also held detailed discussions on the Ukrainian conflict, signaling the seriousness with which both sides are taking the issue.

The visit also saw China and Germany sign over ten agreements, focusing on innovation, green energy, and digitalization. Additionally, it was announced that Airbus had received a new order from Chinese airlines for 120 aircraft, a major coup for the European manufacturer.

Merz also visited China’s eastern tech hub of Hangzhou, meeting with leading figures from Alibaba and Unitree Robotics, highlighting the growing international recognition of China’s robotics and artificial intelligence technologies.

Reactions and Implications

While Merz hailed the good cooperation with Beijing, he did voice concerns about Chinese industrial overcapacity, stating that the trade deficit was not 'healthy.' This sentiment echoes the concerns of many European leaders, who fear that Europe's grievances with Beijing run deeper than its frustration with Trump.

Despite these concerns, the German Chancellor's visit has elevated the importance of China-Germany relations, with Merz leaving China equipped with 'bargaining chips' for a looming trade battle with the Trump administration.

The visit has also sparked discussions around the Wassenaar Arrangement, a major international regime that controls the export of weapons and advanced technologies. China has long been viewed as an outsider from this global community, an issue that may come under scrutiny in the coming months.

Conclusion

As the world's attention shifts towards Beijing, with a potential summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the horizon, Merz's visit marks a significant moment in international relations. However, the success of these diplomatic efforts will ultimately depend on how the agreements forged during the visit are implemented and whether China can use its influence to bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.