{"id":34360,"date":"2026-02-26T00:01:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T22:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/?p=34360"},"modified":"2026-02-26T03:57:28","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T01:57:28","slug":"german-chancellor-merz-meets-chinese-president-xi-jinping-in-beijing-to-strengthen-economic-ties","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/german-chancellor-merz-meets-chinese-president-xi-jinping-in-beijing-to-strengthen-economic-ties\/","title":{"rendered":"German Chancellor Merz meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing to strengthen economic ties"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

6 minute read<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on February 25, 2026, during his inaugural visit to China as chancellor, underscoring the depth of ties between the world\u2019s third-largest economy and its largest trading partner.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two sides emphasized strategic communication, economic cooperation, and the need for diplomacy in addressing global crises, including Russia\u2019s war in Ukraine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the visit, Merz announced that China will order up to 120 additional aircraft from European aviation giant Airbus. Speaking to reporters after he met with Xi, Merz said, \u201cThe Chinese leadership will be ordering a larger number of additional aircraft from Airbus. The total order will include up to 120 additional aircraft,\u201d adding that it \u201cdemonstrates how worthwhile such trips can be\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The announcement came as Merz held talks with both Xi and Chinese Premier Li Qiang amid rising economic and geopolitical uncertainty. The meetings took place at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse as part of a two-day visit aimed at deepening cooperation between Berlin and Beijing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Ukraine Diplomacy and China\u2019s Position<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discussions also touched on Russia\u2019s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which entered its fifth year. German Chancellor Merz sought China\u2019s assistance in efforts to bring the war to an end, stressing that Beijing cannot be left out of attempts to resolve global crises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe big global political problems can no longer be tackled today without involving Beijing,” Merz said. “Beijing\u2019s voice is heard, including in Moscow”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chinese state news agencies reported a response from Xi regarding Merz\u2019s request that China use its influence with Moscow. Xi told the German chancellor that diplomacy was \u201ckey to the issue\u201d of halting the war with open Russian participation.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"German<\/a>
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, China on February 25, 2026. (Image Credit: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs\/via X)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\u201cXi noted the necessity of ensuring the equal participation of all parties to lay a solid foundation for peace, [and] addressing the legitimate concerns of all sides to strengthen the will for peace.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both Russia and Ukraine have at times complained that their voices and grievances have not been adequately heard in diplomatic efforts over recent years. Representatives from the United States, Russia, and Ukraine are scheduled for more meetings on Thursday in Geneva.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xi reiterated China\u2019s principled position on the Ukraine crisis, saying that seeking solutions through dialogue and negotiation is key to the issue. He also stated that China supports an early peaceful resolution to the crisis and the establishment of a lasting, balanced, and pragmatic security framework for Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Strategic Communication and Multilateralism<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xi emphasized the broader significance of Sino-German relations, noting that China and Germany are the world\u2019s second and third largest economies. He said the bilateral relationship not only affects the interests of both countries, but also has a significant impact on Europe and the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe more turbulent and complex the world becomes, the more China and Germany should strengthen strategic communication and enhance strategic mutual trust,\u201d Xi said during the bilateral meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Merz replied that although some challenges remain, the two nations should \u201cemphasize the things we have in common and face the challenges we stand before together.\u201d
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Wir wollen die Handelsbeziehungen zwischen Deutschland und China st\u00e4rken. Dass zwei der drei gr\u00f6\u00dften Volkswirtschaften miteinander Handel treiben, entfaltet gro\u00dfe Kraft und Wohlstand. Wenn diese Dynamik ausgewogen und verl\u00e4sslich gestaltet ist, profitieren unsere L\u00e4nder sehr. pic.twitter.com\/CouUZtJPHU<\/a><\/p>— Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (@bundeskanzler) February 25, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>