German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to make his first official visit to China this week (Feb 25-26), bringing a powerhouse delegation of CEOs from Bayer, Volkswagen, and Siemens. The trip comes as Germany pivots to strengthen economic ties with Asia's largest economy amid global trade shakeups. 🚗💻
Why This Visit Matters Now
With U.S.-Europe alliances showing cracks over tariffs, Merz aims to secure "the right balance of cooperation" through face-to-face talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Fresh data shows China reclaimed its spot as Germany's #1 trading partner in 2025, with bilateral trade hitting €251.8B ($297.3B) – up 2.1% from 2024.
Corporate Cavalry Rides Along
The CEO squad includes:
Auto giants: BMW, Mercedes-Benz
Pharma leader: Bayer
Tech titan: Siemens
Consumer brands: Adidas
Their mission? Explore partnerships in EVs, renewable energy, and AI – sectors where China leads global innovation. 🌐⚡
Tariff Troubles Back Home
As U.S. import taxes bite German exports (car shipments down 17.5% in 2025), Merz tweeted: "May the Year of the Horse bring strength" to bilateral ties. The timing's crucial – this visit could set the tone for Europe-China relations through 2026 and beyond.
