Franziska Brantner, chair of Germany’s Green Party, says she expects Chancellor Friedrich Merz to confront disagreements head‑on during his upcoming trip to China. “Merz must speak plainly in Beijing” Brantner told the Spiegel, adding that anyone representing Germany must demand both fair trade and respect for basic human rights and the European peace order.
Brantner accuses China of systematically undermining competition. European companies, she argues, are largely shut out of public procurement in many sectors-including healthcare-while Chinese firms are routinely allowed to bid on EU public tenders. “Merz has to make it clear that fair competition is essential” she urged. “Those who benefit from our openness must open their markets in return, or we will be forced to protect our own markets from China”.
She also said she expects the chancellor to address the human‑rights situation in China and China’s role in the war in Ukraine. Merz will depart on Tuesday evening for a two‑day inaugural visit to China, accompanied by a large business delegation.