German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is scheduled to visit China on the 25th, where he will meet with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. This visit comes at a time when Germany is reassessing its approach toward China, shifting from a 'de-risking' strategy to one that emphasizes strengthening cooperation. The discussions are expected to focus on economic collaboration, crucial for both nations as China seeks to revive its economic growth through increased openness and Germany looks to bolster its access to China's vast market, especially in the automotive and manufacturing sectors.

This will be Merz's first trip to China since he took office last May, coinciding with a surge of Western leaders visiting China since the start of the year. The backdrop of his visit is complicated by the shifting international political and economic landscape under the Trump administration, which has led to increased uncertainty in global trade relations. Merz hinted at the possibility of using EU-level retaliatory measures in response to U.S. trade disputes, indicating he is aware of the complexities surrounding international trade and how they might play into Germany's strategy with China.

In addition to his aims to decrease the trade deficit and expand market access to China’s vast economy, Merz has emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced and fair partnership with China. This perspective suggests a strategic pivot that recognizes the necessity of engaging with China despite pressures for decoupling. His comments reflect a broader sentiment among European leaders about the need for pragmatic relationships in a rapidly changing global economic environment, where avoiding missteps is deemed critical for future negotiations with major powers like China.