Friedrich Merz, the leader of the CDU party, recently visited China, where he noticeably softened his previously critical stance on China's ambitions. During a brief two-day visit, he focused on promoting German economic interests rather than voicing concerns about China's geopolitical aspirations. This shift in narrative highlights a broader trend where economic relations take precedence in diplomatic engagements, particularly with a significant economic powerhouse like China.

Throughout the visit, Merz was accompanied by a large delegation representing various German industries, signaling a strong emphasis on fostering trade relations and economic cooperation. His comments during the trip, which included praise for China's industry policy and observations of technology like Kungfu robots, seemed to contradict his earlier warnings about China's rise at international forums, illustrating the complexities of balancing national security concerns with economic partnerships.

This diplomatic approach aligns with the previous strategies of Merz's predecessors, Olaf Scholz and Angela Merkel, who similarly prioritized economic ties over geopolitical tensions. Merz's journey reflects the ongoing debate within Germany regarding how to engage economically with China while remaining vigilant about its expanding influence on the global stage, thereby raising questions about the future direction of German foreign policy in relation to China.