German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to China next week for his first official visit since taking office in May, signaling Berlin’s intent to recalibrate its relationship with Beijing at a time of mounting economic and geopolitical pressure.

In a message posted on X, Merz expressed anticipation for the trip, writing that he hoped the Year of the Horse would “bring strength and new momentum to German-Chinese relations.” He formally announced the visit during a congress of the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Stuttgart, emphasizing the importance of maintaining global economic partnerships.

“We need economic relations with the entire world — and that of course includes a country like China,” Merz said, noting that he would be accompanied by a large delegation of German business leaders.

Competition and Cooperation in Focus

During his two-day visit, Merz is scheduled to meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, followed by talks with President Xi Jinping. His itinerary includes a visit to the Forbidden City and engagements with representatives from German automotive giant Mercedes-Benz.

The chancellor will also travel to Hangzhou, where he plans to tour facilities operated by Chinese robotics firm Unitree Robotics and Germany’s Siemens Energy.

A German government spokesperson said the visit will center on managing “competition” while identifying the “right balance in cooperation.” The timing is particularly sensitive for Germany’s automotive industry, which is facing intensifying competition from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers.

Although Berlin and Beijing differ on key geopolitical issues — including China’s refusal to openly condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — Germany remains eager to preserve strong economic ties while reducing excessive dependence on Chinese trade.

According to data released Friday by Federal Statistical Office of Germany, China once again became Germany’s largest single trading partner last year, with total trade volume reaching €251.8 billion. China had held that position from 2016 to 2023 before being overtaken by the United States in 2024. While trade with China rebounded, Germany’s trade volume with the U.S. fell to €240.5 billion.

In a broader policy speech, Merz argued that China is increasingly distancing itself from the United States while seeking to shape a new multilateral order according to its own rules. He warned that principles such as freedom of speech, religious liberty, and press freedom play little role in Beijing’s vision, and that efforts to promote universal human rights are often dismissed as interference in domestic affairs.

Merz also observed that the traditional rules-based international system is eroding, giving way to a rapidly evolving global order dominated by major powers. To navigate this shift, he said, Europe must strengthen both its economic and military capabilities while forging new trade partnerships around the world.