Germany’s Leader Heads to China and Walks a Tightrope Between Xi and Trump
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is promoting a vision for Europe to reduce dependence on both China and the United States to maintain greater autonomy on the global stage, without severing ties completely.
- Merz is set to visit Beijing and Hangzhou this week, marking his first trip to China since becoming chancellor, amid ongoing tensions over trade, Taiwan, Ukraine, and other issues.
- German officials indicate Merz aims to avoid escalating conflicts with Chinese leader Xi Jinping while addressing critical concerns, including China's economic policies affecting German manufacturers and its support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict.
