Merz Wraps First China Visit With Calls for Fairer Trade, Modest Accords

Overview

• The German chancellor met Xi Jinping and Li Qiang in Beijing, urging fairer economic ties and voicing concerns over market distortions and overcapacity.
• China and Germany formalized five documents covering climate and the green transition, animal-disease prevention, a poultry protocol, and sports cooperation.
• On day two in Hangzhou, Merz said Chinese overcapacity is a problem for Europe and said he will ask Economy Minister Katherina Reiche to visit and start regular consultations by early next year.
• A delegation of about 30 German companies, including Volkswagen and BMW, accompanied Merz for follow-on commercial discussions.
• Germany now runs a record trade deficit with China as Beijing promotes multilateralism and free trade while inviting deeper cooperation.