Next week, German Chancellor F. Merz will embark on his first official visit to China since taking office in May of the previous year. This visit, which was proposed by the Chinese government, is viewed by Merz’s team as a significant positive gesture, especially as it takes place early in the year. During the visit, scheduled for Tuesday, Merz will travel from Berlin to Beijing, where he will be met by Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang. The agenda highlights discussions with President Xi Jinping, followed by a dinner meeting, underscoring the importance of Sino-German relations.

The scheduled two-day visit will also include stops at landmark sites and meetings with key companies, including a tour of the Forbidden City, a visit to the Chinese robotics firm Unitree, and meetings with the German automotive giant Mercedes-Benz and Siemens Energy, a turbine manufacturer. This engagement serves to reinforce Germany's interest in deepening economic ties with China, especially as the country faces a challenging economic environment.

The timing of this visit is crucial as Germany is striving to revitalize its economy, which is currently experiencing a crisis. Many German companies are facing significant challenges due to rising costs and supply chain disruptions. Merz's discussions with Chinese leaders will likely focus on fostering cooperation and addressing these economic hurdles, aiming to secure better market access and collaboration between the two nations.