China Wants Germany in Its Corner. It’s Not That Easy.

China’s play for U.S. allies has a problem: As Germany’s leader showed, Europe’s grievances with Beijing may run deeper than its frustration with Trump. China’s leader, Xi Jinping, tried to sell Germany on a future less tied to the United States and anchored instead in Chinese markets and technology.
Al Jazeera

Germany’s Merz eyes business opportunities at Chinese tech hub in Hangzhou

German chancellor visits eastern city, home to AI firm DeepSeek and e-commerce giant Alibaba, with business leaders.

Despite differences, China’s Xi and Germany’s Merz seek to deepen ties in turbulent times

China and Germany have pledged to deepen ties despite differences over Russia’s war in Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday in Beijing.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlights China visit and bilateral economic cooperation in social media posts

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who is currently visiting China, shares two posts on Instagram on February 26, 2026. This image, the cover of one post, shows him waving to a rob

Germany’s Leader Heads to China and Walks a Tightrope Between Xi and Trump

Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s trip will test his ability to address tensions between the countries, at a time of strain between Europe and Washington.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz continues China visit with tour of Beijing’s Forbidden City

Friedrich Merz continued his first trip to China since taking office as the German Chancellor with a tour Thursday in the historical Forbidden City at the center of Beijing.