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Merz Concludes China Trip With Reported Airbus Order and Government Consultations Set to Resume

China struck a conciliatory tone without offering concrete concessions.

Overview

  • During meetings with Xi Jinping and Li Qiang, Merz pressed concerns over market‑distorting subsidies, limited market access and a widening trade imbalance.
  • Merz said China would order up to 120 Airbus aircraft, while both sides agreed to restart German‑Chinese government consultations by year’s end.
  • Beijing reiterated support for negotiations on the Ukraine war, as Merz urged Chinese leaders to use their influence on Moscow.
  • Several smaller accords were signed, including climate cooperation, steps to resume German meat exports and permissions for German sports broadcasts in Chinese state media.
  • Merz emphasized a cooperative tone—framing ties as a comprehensive strategic partnership—while noting EU discussions on protective measures if Chinese overcapacity persists, and he restated that any ChinaTaiwan resolution must be peaceful.