Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany's opposition party, is currently on his first official visit to China, aimed at enhancing the long-standing economic relations between Germany and China. This visit comes in the wake of global uncertainties triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and erratic foreign policies, which have made it increasingly necessary for Germany to collaborate more closely with China, now its largest trading partner. The visit is seen as a strategic move to bolster Germany's economic interests and maintain its competitive edge in the global market.

During his time in China, Merz is accompanied by a significant delegation of business leaders from major automotive firms including Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes. On Thursday morning, he visited the Mercedes factory in Beijing, where he witnessed demonstrations of autonomous vehicles, reflecting the advancing automotive technology and the importance of innovation in the industry. The presence of high-ranking executives from these companies signals a strong commitment to deepen business relations and explore new markets within China.

Merz's itinerary includes a trip to Hangzhou, where he plans to visit facilities of Siemens Energy from Germany and the Chinese humanoid robotics producer Unitree. This itinerary highlights the growing collaboration in both energy and technology sectors between Germany and China. As Germany looks to adapt to the rapidly changing global landscape, fostering relationships with key players in China's technology industry may prove pivotal for future economic development and may influence the broader geopolitical dynamics between the West and China.