Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who is on an official visit to China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Beijing on Wednesday, with both sides agreeing to promote the continuous new development of the all-round strategic partnership, promote dialogue and cooperation, and uphold multilateralism and free trade, according to Xinhua News Agency.

This is Merz's first trip to China since taking office. China and Germany are the world's second and third largest economies, and the bilateral relationship not only bears on the interests of both countries, but also has significant impact on Europe and the world.

Deepening Strategic Partnership 

The international landscape is undergoing the most profound transformations since the end of World War II, Xi said, adding that the greater changes and turbulence the world faces, the more important it is for the two countries to enhance strategic communication, strengthen strategic mutual trust and work for new progress in China-Germany all-around strategic partnership.

This is Merz's first trip to China since taking office. China and Germany are the world's second and third largest economies, and the bilateral relationship not only bears on the interests of both countries, but also has significant impact on Europe and the world.