The article reflects on the recent visit of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to Beijing and reviews his diplomatic approach amidst complex international relations. It critiques what was left unsaid during his visit, particularly the absence of terms like 'systemic rival,' which have been used previously by the EU to describe its relationship with China, consisting of partnership, competition, and rivalry. Merz instead chose to highlight dialogue and referred to China as a 'comprehensive strategic partner,' a description that, while not fresh, had not been prominently featured in recent discussions.

The commentary emphasizes that Beijing views international relations differently, prioritizing its interests over genuine partnerships. Therefore, the portrayal of strong collaboration must be matched with actionable results. Merz's performance is described as prudent since he took steps to assert Germany's position while navigating this delicate relationship with a nation that does not engage in partnerships in the traditional sense but focuses on leveraging advantages in negotiations.

Ultimately, the article suggests that Merz's approach signifies a nuanced understanding of China's international strategy and his willingness to enforce consequences speaks to a pragmatic stance in foreign policy, which could be beneficial for Germany's position within the EU and in its dealings with China as dynamics continue to evolve.