Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (CDU) is scheduled to travel to China next week. The visit will take place from 24 to 26 February, according to Deputy Government Spokesperson Sebastian Hille, who made the announcement in Berlin on Friday.
The itinerary will include stops in Beijing and Hangzhou. Hille said the core theme of the trip will be competition, emphasizing the need for careful differentiation and a balanced approach to cooperation. The aim is to strengthen collaboration where it is necessary and serves both sides’ interests.
The Ukraine issue is expected to surface during the talks, particularly China’s support for Russia. Hille added that these discussions are likely to touch on that topic, though he refrained from pre‑emptive remarks.
A spokesperson from the Foreign Office clarified that all dialogues will also involve European security interests and China’s role regarding Russia. The foreign minister had previously stated that Russia’s war against Ukraine threatens European security and that China should exert its influence to curtail Russia’s ability to continue the conflict.
Merz’s trip to China has long been planned. It was outlined during his meetings with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the G20 summit in South Africa and with Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. Earlier tensions led Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) to cancel a short‑notice China visit, which has now been rescheduled.