Germany Deepens Strategic Partnership With China

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing on Feb. 25 and agreed to deepen a comprehensive strategic partnership, including cooperation on artificial intelligence and supply-chain stabilization. The two sides discussed Germany’s large trade deficit and secured a commitment for up to 120 Airbus aircraft, signaling closer economic ties that could reshape Europe–U.S. trade dynamics and alliance considerations.